1. Foundations of Government

2. Roots of American Democracy
Ancient Greece
Senate as the main legislative body
Direct democracy- eligible population votes on everything
Great Britain
Magna Carta (1215)- document that recognized the people have certain rights and that the government’s power is not absolute
English Bill of Rights (1689)- document that state the monarch does not has absolute power and cannot interfere in elections, trials, or the military
The Enlightenment
John Locke- natural rights as human beings
Rousseau- government cannot exist without the consent of the people (otherwise its not legit)
Montesquieu- separation of powers

3. Formation of Government
Continental Congresses- representatives from the original colonies meet to discuss the escalating situation with Great Britain
Become the acting government for the colonies
Organized the military during the Revolutionary War
Wrote and passed the Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Weak national government, strong state governments
Established departments of Foreign Affairs and Treasury
Helped organize land
Signed treaty with Great Britain recognizing American Independence

4. Government Structure Virginia Plan Connecticut Compromise
Bicameral legislature
Number of legislators varies according to the state population
New Jersey Plan
Unicameral Legislature
Each state gets one vote regardless of population
Connecticut Compromise
Bicameral legislature
Representation in House of Representatives based on state population
Equal representation in the Senate with two members from each state

5. Principles of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty and Republicanism
rule by the people
Government functions on the consent of the governed by electing those officials
Limited Government
Constitution doesn’t just mention what the government can do but also what it cannot
Built in safeguards (i.e. checks and balances)
Federalism
Power is divided between the national and state governments

6. Principles of the Constitution
Separation of Powers
3 Branches of Government each with specific duties in government
Checks and Balances
Each branch has the ability to extend some control over the other two
Individual Rights
Amendments that specifically protect its citizens (i.e. Bill of Rights 4-8th Amendments)
Beliefs and Principles Today
Meant to be flexible and open to interpretation/edits so that it can meet the needs of changing times

7. Structure of the Constitution
Preamble
Articles
I- Legislative Branch
II- Executive Branch
III- Judicial Branch
IV- Relationship among the States
V- Amendment Process
VI- National Supremacy
VII- Ratification
Amendments

8. Amendments
Bill of Rights- first 10 Amendments that protects individual rights by limiting the powers of government
Structural Changes
Modifies the structures of government and the powers of the branches
11th, 12th, 17th, 20th, 22nd, 25th, 27th Amendments
Extension of Government Power
16th, 18th, 21st Amendments
Expands the power of the federal government (one of these repeals the other)
Extension of Individual Rights
13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 26th Amendments