Purpose and Foundations of Government

• Governments are established to maintain order, provide security, and protect citizens' rights.
• Citizens participate in government through voting, obeying laws, and civic engagement.

Purpose of Government

• Governments maintain order, provide security and defense, protect individual rights and freedoms, and promote general welfare.

Foundations of Government

• Thomas Hobbes believed people are naturally selfish and need a strong central authority with his views published in Leviathan (1651).
• Hobbes supported absolute monarchy to maintain order.
• John Locke advocated for natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
• Locke believed the government should protect these rights, otherwise, the people can overthrow it.

Social Contract

• Citizens give up some freedoms in exchange for government protection.
• If the government fails, citizens can alter or abolish it.

Blank Slate/Tabula Rasa

• Individuals are born without innate knowledge, and experiences shape them, as theorized by John Locke.

Natural Rights

• Natural rights, according to Locke, are rights all individuals are born with, including life, liberty, and property.

Declaration of Independence

• The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson.
• It declared independence from Britain.
• Listed grievances against the King and justified the revolution.
• It Emphasized natural rights and government by consent.

Articles of Confederation

• The Articles of Confederation was the first governing document of the U.S. (1781-1789).
• It had an overall weak central government, and the states possessed too much power.
• It did not have the power to tax or a national army.
• It also lacked an executive or judicial branch.
• Passing laws was difficult, as it required unanimous consent.

Shay's Rebellion

• Shay's Rebellion was an uprising of farmers protesting debt and taxes (1786-1787).
• It showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
• The rebellion led to calls for a stronger central government.

Constitutional Convention

• The Constitutional Convention was held in 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation.
• It resulted in the U.S. Constitution.

Constitutional Compromises

• Great Compromise: A bicameral legislature consisting of the House based on population and the Senate with equal representation.
• Three-Fifths Compromise: Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation.
• Commerce Compromise: The federal government regulates trade but could not ban the slave trade until 1808.

Constitutional Improvements

• Stronger central government with three branches was established.
• The government now had the power to tax and regulate trade.
• Executive and judicial branches were established.
• An easier process for making laws was created.

Preamble to the Constitution

• The Preamble to the Constitution is an introduction stating the goals of the Constitution.
• It contains 5 clauses, which include "Establish Justice", which creates fair laws and courts
• It also "Ensures Domestic Tranquility", which maintains peace within the country
• It will "Provide for the Common Defense" by maintaining a military to protect the nation
• The Preamble will also "Promote the General Welfare" to ensure the well-being of citizens
• Ultimately, the Preamble will "Secure the Blessings of Liberty" to protect freedoms for current and future generations

Principles of The Constitution

• Popular Sovereignty/Republicanism: The government’s power comes from the people, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions.
• Federalism: Power is divided between national and state governments.
• Tenth Amendment reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.
• Supremacy Clause: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, so federal laws override state laws when in conflict.
• Separation of Powers: The government is divided into three branches: Legislative (Congress) which makes laws, Executive (President) which enforces laws, and Judicial (Supreme Court) which interprets laws.
• Checks and Balances: Each branch has powers that limit the other branches to prevent abuse.
• Presidential Veto: The President can reject bills passed by Congress, but Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority.
• Ensures individual rights and prevents tyranny through limited government, where the government only has powers granted by the Constitution.
• The Bill of Rights are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791.
• The Constitution is a living document that can be amended to adapt to changing times.
• The Constitution can be amended if proposed by Congress (2/3 vote) or by a constitutional convention, and ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures or conventions.
• Elastic Clause: Congress can pass laws necessary and proper to carry out its powers.

The Bill of Rights: Rights Guaranteed in the First 10 Amendments

• Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition: Protects individual expression and beliefs.
• Right to bear arms: Allows individuals to own and carry weapons.
• No quartering of soldiers in homes: Prevents forced housing of soldiers.
• Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures: Requires warrants for searches.
• Rights of the accused: Includes due process, double jeopardy protection, self-incrimination protection, and eminent domain rules.
• Right to a speedy and public trial by jury: Guarantees fair trials.
• Right to a jury trial in civil cases: Allows jury trials in certain civil disputes.
• No excessive bail, fines, or cruel and unusual punishment: Protects against unfair treatment in the justice system.
• The Ninth Amendment ensures rights not specifically mentioned are retained by the people.
• The Tenth Amendment ensures powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states.

How Are the Ninth and Tenth Amendments Different from the First Eight?

• First eight amendments: Specific individual rights.
• Ninth Amendment: Protects rights not explicitly mentioned.
• Tenth Amendment: Limits federal power by reserving it for states and/or people.