Topic 1.1 Ideals of DemocracyLO: Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Show
LOR-1.A.2 The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Jefferson with help from Adams and Franklin, provides a foundation for popular sovereignty, while the U.S. Constitution drafted at the Philadelphia Convention and led by George Washington, with important contributions from Madison, Hamilton, and members of the “Grand Committee,” provides the blueprint for a unique form of political democracy in the U.S.
Philosophically Correct Reading Topic 1.1 Review
Topic 1.2 Types of DemocracyLO: Explain how models of representative democracy are visible in major institutions, policies, events, or debates in the U.S.
LOR-1.B.2 Different aspects of the U.S. Constitution as well as the debate between Federalist No. 10 and Brutus No. 1 reflect the tension between the broad participatory model and the more filtered participation of the pluralist and elite models. LOR-1.B.3 The three models of representative democracy continue to be reflected in contemporary institutions and political behavior. Topic 1.2 Review
Topic 1.3 Government Power and Individual RightsLO Explain how Federalist and Anti-Federalist views on central government and democracy are reflected in U.S. foundational documents.
CON-1.A.2 Anti-Federalist writings, including Brutus No. 1, adhered to popular democratic theory that emphasized the benefits of a small, decentralized republic while warning of the dangers to personal liberty from a large, centralized government. An example of the Anti-Federalist sentiment can be found in "Letters from the Federal Farmer #1." Topic 1.3 Review
Topic 1.4 Challenges of the Articles of ConfederationLO: Explain the relationship between key provisions of the Articles of Confederation and the debate over granting the federal government greater power formerly reserved to the states.
Topic 1.4 Review
Topic 1.5 Ratification of the United States ConstitutionLO: Explain the ongoing impact of political negotiation and compromise at the Constitutional Convention on the development of the constitutional system.
CON-1.C.2 Debates about self-government during the drafting of the Constitution necessitated the drafting of an amendment process in Article V that entailed either a two-thirds vote in both houses or a proposal from two-thirds of the state legislatures, with final ratification determined by three-fourths of the states. CON-1.C.3 The compromises necessary to secure ratification of the Constitution left some matters unresolved that continue to generate discussion and debate today. CON-1.C.4 The debate over the role of the central government, the powers of state governments, and the rights of individuals remains at the heart of present-day constitutional issues about democracy and governmental power, as represented by:
Topic 1.5 Review
Topic 1.6 Principles of American GovernmentLO: Explain the constitutional principles of separation of powers and “checks and balances.” LO: Explain the implications of separation of powers and “checks and balances” for the U.S. political system.
Topic 1.6 Review
Topic 1.7 Relationship Between States and the Federal GovernmentLO: Explain how societal needs affect the constitutional allocation of power between the national and state governments.
Topic 1.7 Review
Topic 1.8 Constitutional Interpretations of FederalismLO: Explain how the appropriate balance of power between national and state governments has been interpreted differently over time.
CON-2.B.2 The balance of power between the national and state governments has changed over time based on U.S. Supreme Court interpretation of such cases as:
Topic 1.8 Review
Topic 1.9 Federalism in ActionLO: Explain how the distribution of powers among three federal branches and between national and state governments impacts policy making.
CON-2.C.2 National policy making is constrained by the sharing of power between and among the three branches and state governments. Topic 1.9 Review
Unit 1 Summary and ReviewThe democratic government of the United States traces its roots from the Greco-Roman era through the Enlightenment. The key founding documents of U.S. government, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, set forth the principles that define the character of American democracy, such as federalism, separation of powers, rule of law, and a system of checks and balances. The U.S. Constitution is a flexible document that provides for its own changes, or amendments and it outlines a federalist system that arose from the framers’ desire to create a stronger national government than under the Articles of Confederation but preserve some powers of the existing states and state governments, where the powers of government are divided between a national government and regional (state and local) governments. Each level of government has specific areas of jurisdiction with overlapping coverage of peoples and territories. The United States Constitution outlines each level of government’s authority, powers, and prohibitions.
How are democratic ideals reflected in the Declaration and the Constitution?These ideas, that all men are created equal and that government is based on the consent of the governed, became the foundation for the US political ideal of popular sovereignty: that the government exists to serve the people, who elect representatives to express their will.
What democratic ideals are reflected in Declaration of Independence?Limited government, natural rights, popular sovereignty, republicanism and social contract can all be found in our Declaration.
How does the Declaration of Independence reflect the Constitution?The Declaration of Independence, which officially broke all political ties between the American colonies and Great Britain, set forth the ideas and principles behind a just and fair government, and the Constitution outlined how this government would function.
What are the democratic ideals in the Constitution?These individual freedoms include freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and the right to a fair trial. Voter enfranchisement and political participation are two key democratic ideals that ensure the engagement of citizens in the political sphere.
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