1. American Democracy & Citizenship
Our Democratic Foundations

2. Foundations of Democracy
U.S. has a democratic republic – people have the power to rule and elect representatives to serve in government
Based on ideas from Greeks and Romans, British political system, and philosophers from the Enlightenment

3. Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776
Officially separated 13 colonies from English government
Did NOT start the Revolution! (started April 1775)
Written by Thomas Jefferson
“Created” the U.S.A.

4. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

5. Articles of Confederation
first true U.S. government
Weak national government / strong state governments – opposite of England’s
No President to enforce laws – feared he might become a king
One-house Congress with little power
No way to tax, support a national military, print money, or enforce its laws

6. Dissatisfaction with the Confederation
Each state government had own laws, currency – little cooperation
Gov’t couldn’t pay pensions to soldiers as promised
Shays’ Rebellion – western Massachusetts, – debt-ridden farmers rebelled when state took farms & imprisoned debtors
Crisis convinced many Americans a better system was needed

7. U.S. Constitution 1789-present Replaced Articles of Confederation
“Written” by James Madison
Three branches of government:
Legislative – Makes law (Congress)
Executive – Enforces law (President)
Judicial – Interprets law (Courts)

8. Federalist & Anti-Federalist
Constitution had to be ratified (approved) by 9 of the 13 states
Federalists thought central government should be strong – James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay – The Federalist Papers
Anti-Federalists feared power of central government; took too much power from the states – Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson

9. Bill of Rights
Proposed in 1789 to settle debate between Federalists and anti-Federalists
Approved by states in 1791
First 10 Amendments to the Constitution
Listed citizens’ basic rights in the new government

10. A “Living Document”
Constitution can change through amendments (changes or additions) as culture and country change
Slavery, voting rights, civil rights were some of the major changes since 1791
Only 27 Amendments ( ) – requires 2/3 of both houses of Congress and ¾ of all states to approve
Courts can interpret Constitution and expand or decrease certain powers and rights over time