1. Foundations of Democracy and the US Constitution
Review
Foundations of Democracy and the US Constitution

2. Magna Carta (1215)

3. Magna Carta (1215) Establishes Rule of Law
Places limits on executive authority
First time the people themselves have limited the power of the monarchy

4. John Locke

5. John Locke Believed in Limited Government
People ultimately hold the power in any government
People have a right to alter/get rid of their government

6. Limited Government

7. Limited Government Who holds the power?
How do you limit a government’s power?

8. Social Contract Theory

9. Social Contract Theory
Belief that any form of government only exists because a group of people have agreed to allow it to exist. To this end, a government that fails to meet the terms laid out in the contract is subject to be changed by the people who created the contract.

10. Articles of Confederation

11. Articles of Confederation
First form of American government
Problems: weak central government, no ability to raise money, states not obligated to work together (13 independent countries), no executive branch, no judicial branch, what little power the national government had was concentrated in 1 branch.

12. Purposes of US Constitution

13. Purposes of US Constitution
Form a more perfect union
Establish Justice
Ensure domestic tranquility
Provide for the common defense
Promote the general welfare
Secure the blessings of liberty

14. Democracy

15. Democracy
People hold the power and can limit the governments authority
Power is diffused or spread out

16. Concepts of Democracy

17. Concepts of Democracy
Recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person
All people are entitled basic rights and respect. All individuals are important for the collective society.

18. Concepts of Democracy A respect for the equality of all persons.
All people have the right to be equal, that is a part of nature’s design. A democracy can not truly exist when one group has more rights or is more favored than other groups.

19. Concepts of Democracy
A faith in majority rule and an insistence on minority rights
For the most part, the majority knows what is best. However, the minority should not be negatively impacted by the majority.

20. Concepts of Democracy An acceptance on the necessity of compromise
We can’t always have it our way. The best path forward is the pathway that includes as many ideas as possible but does not favor any one group. We find mutual ground to stand.

21. Concepts of Democracy
An insistence upon the widest possible area of individual rights
The government should expand your rights, not limit them. A democracy flourishes when the people’s rights are secure and well defined.

22. Declaration of Independence

23. Declaration of Independence
This is the vision of the nation we want to be.
Basic rights – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
People deserve to be represented.
People deserve a representative, responsive government.

24. US House Representative

25. US House Representative25
Lived in the United States for at least 7 years.
Lives in the state in which he/she represents.

26. US Senator

27. US Senator 30 Lived in the United States for at least 9 years
Live in the state he/she represents

28. United States President

29. United States President35
Lived in the United States for at least 14 years.
Must be a natural born citizen.

30. Separation of Powers

31. Separation of Powers
This is the way we limit government power in the United States.
Power is spread out so that no one person/group holds all of the power.
Extended in the United States through federalism.

32. 3 Branches of Government

33. 3 Branches of Government
Legislative Branch
This is the US Congress comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Makes the laws of the nation.
The most important branch of government.

34. 3 Branches of Government
Executive Branch
This is the President of the United States.
Charged with executing the laws passed by Congress.
Responsible for day-to-day operations of government.

35. 3 Branches of Government
Judicial Branch
This is the Supreme Court of the United States
Interprets all actions of the government and determines if they are in compliance with the Constitution (the supreme law of the land)

36. Powers of Congress

37. Powers of Congress Tax Spend Provide the Common Defense
Provide for the general welfare
Borrow Money
Regulate Commerce
Establish rules of Naturalization
Coin Money
Provide for punishment of counterfeiting
Establish post offices/roads
Promote progress of science and useful arts
Patents/Copy Right
Establish Courts
Define punishments for felonies
Declare War
Raise/Support Military

38. Powers of Congress (continued)
Make rules for the government
Make rules for the military
Call forth the militia to suppress insurrections and repel invasions
Maintain the Militia
Hold all authority in federal districts
To make all laws that are necessary and proper for the United States.

39. Powers of the President
Make treaties with other nations
Appoint judges and members of the Executive Cabinet
Propose and Veto Legislation
Call a Special Session of Congress
Adjourn Congress
Commander and Chief of the United States Armed Forces
Prepare the budget
Day-to-day operations of the government.

40. Powers of the Supreme Court
Interpret Laws/government actions.
Settle disputes between the States
Determine if laws/government actions are Constitutional