A balance between governmental power and individual rights
LOR-1: A balance between governmental power and individual rights has been a hallmark of American political development.
Goals
- Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
- Explain how models of representative democracy are visible in major institutions, what policies,events, or debates in the U .S.
Essential Knowledge
LOR-1.A.1: The U.S. government is based on ideas of limited government, including natural rights, popular sovereignty, republicanism, and social contract.
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 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.
LOR-1.B.1: Representative democracies can take several forms along this scale:
- Participatory democracy, which emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society
- Pluralist democracy, which recognizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interests striving for impact on political decision making
- Elite democracy, which emphasizes limited participation in politics and civil society
LOR-1.B.2: Different aspects of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the debate between the 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.
Literature Circle
Keeping Faith with the Constitution (CH 1 The Constitution’s Vision and Values)
Goodwin Liu-Pamela Karlan-Christopher Schroeder - Oxford University Press - 2010
The Declaration and the Promise of a Democratic Culture
Balkin M. Jack - Yale Law School
The U.S. government is based on ideas of limited government, including natural rights, popular sovereignty, republicanism, and social contract.
Core Democratic Values of American Constitutional Democracy
Core Democratic Values are the fundamental beliefs and constitutional principles of American society which unite all Americans. These values are expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and other significant documents, speeches, and writings of the nation. Below is definition of some core democratic values.
Fundamental Beliefs In the Declaration
Life
The individual's right to life should be considered sacred except in certain highly restricted and extreme circumstances, such as the use of deadly force to protect one's own or others' lives.
Liberty
The right to liberty is considered an unchangeable part of human life. At the heart of this idea is the understanding that no one can be blamed or held accountable for personal or political obligations of family or ancestors that came before them. The right to liberty includes: personal freedom - each person is free to act, think and believe as they choose without interference from the government; political freedom - the right to participate in the political process, choose and remove public officials, to be governed under a rule of law; the right to information and assembly; economic freedom - the right to make money, own property, seek employment where one chooses, to change employment, and participate in any legal economic activity.
The Pursuit of Happiness
The right of each person to attempt to find happiness in their own way, so long as they do not infringe upon rights of others.
Common Good
Individuals must accept their obligation to promote the well being of the community and work with others for the greater benefit of all.
Justice
All people should be treated fairly and equally in regards to receiving the benefits and burdens of society, the correction of wrongs and injuries, and in the gathering of information and making of decisions.
Equality
All people have: political equality - and are not denied these rights unless by due process of law; legal equality - and are treated as equals before the law; social equality - and there should be no class system sanctioned by law; economic equality - which tends to strengthen political and social equality.
Diversity
Variety in culture and ethnic background, race, lifestyle, and belief is not only permissible but desirable and beneficial in a pluralistic society.
Truth
Citizens can demand that truth-telling by their government be the rule, since trust in their government is an essential part of the bond between the government and the governed.
Popular Sovereignty
The people as a whole have ultimate authority over the state and holds that authority over public officials and their policies.
Patriotism
Virtuous citizens display a devotion to their country, including devotion to the fundamental values and principles upon which it depends.
Constitutional Principles
Rule of Law
Both government and the governed should be subject to the law.
Separation of Powers
Legislative, executive, and judicial powers should be carried out by different branches of government in order to maintain the limitations placed upon them.
Representative Government
The republican form of government established under the Constitution is one in which citizens elect others to represent their interests.
Checks and Balances
The powers given to the three branches of government should be balanced and roughly equal so that no branch can dominate the others. Branches of government are also given powers to keep a check on the others.
Individual Rights
Individuals have certain basic fundamental rights that are not created by government but which still must be protected by the government. These include the right to life, liberty, economic freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. It is the purpose of government to protect these rights, and it may not place unfair restrictions on them. Many of these rights are found in the Bill of Rights.
Freedom of Religion
Religious liberty is considered to be a natural right of every person that must always be beyond the power of the state to control. Religious liberty includes the right to freely practice any religion or no religion without government interference.
Federalism
Power is shared between two levels of government: those of the state and those of the central (federal) authorities.
Civilian Control of the Military
Civilian authority should control the military in order to preserve constitutional government.