1. Constitutions & Government
Notebook # 10
Explain how the Enlightenment influenced the formation of limited forms of government and the role of constitutions

2. A. Background Enlightenment thinkers believed in a social contract
a constitution (plan of government) set the terms of that agreement
the U.S. Constitution was based on 3 things:
1. the political writings of ancient Greece & Rome
2. ideas from English govt., such as the English Bill of Rights
3. ideas of Enlightenment scholars (Locke, Montesquieu, & Rosseau)

3. B. Types of Constitutions
unwritten constitution—collection of laws, traditions, & court decisions that develops over time
ex. England; basis lies in Magna Carta & English Bill of Rights
written constitution—a document stating the rules & principles on which a nation is run
ex. U.S. Constitution (1787; oldest one still in effect)

4. C. Functions of a Constitution
1. states the ideals shared by a people bound by the document
2. establishes a framework for govt.
3. defines the government’s powers & duties
4. provides the supreme law (rules that shape the actions of govt. & the people) for a country
most written constitutions contain a statement of goals that are often found in a preamble—an introduction stating the purposes to be served by government

5. D. Limits of Power
a constitution should state the powers given to the govt. & set limits on those powers so leaders don’t abuse the rights of citizens
courts decide if new laws/policies violate the Constitution
their decisions make up constitutional law—a body of rulings that carry legal force
constitutions sometimes need to be amended (altered) to fit the needs of the people
the U.S. Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10) is an example

6. E. Different Forms of Govt.
1. autocracy—power rests in the hands of a single leader & his advisors (ex. absolute monarchy)
2. oligarchy—a small group (such as a political party) holds power (ex. Communist China)
the above 2 forms may have a constitution, but people have little or no power to limit govt.
people may vote, but the govt. decides the election outcome
legislatures may pass laws, but they rarely go against the leader’s wishes
effect  constitution is just a piece of paper

7. 3. democracy—people hold the power, usually through voting
govts. are not above the law
govt. can be changed peacefully by:
a. voting or running for election
b. passing new laws
c. amending the constitution
d. appealing to the courts