What did the founders think about constitutional government? Unit 1 - Chapter 1 What did the founders think about constitutional government?

American diversity The New World, prior to the revolution, were the most diverse colonies in the world. No where else was represented with such a wide range of countries and people New York was settled by the Dutch, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania by religious factions, and the Carolinas by rich plantation owners from the Caribbean. Nearly every region had its own distinct culture, language, and habits. All of this diversity led to many different beliefs on how to run a government, and a country. What would be some of the different motives for colonists on how a government should function?

American diversity Economic: Many colonists traveled to American in hopes of acquiring land. Most colonists came from England, which was roughly the size of Pennsylvania. Land offered them a chance to become rich in the common wealth (land) The untapped natural resource of American land gave farmers the opportunity for expansion and an increase in profits. Religious: Quakers and Puritans came to America to escape persecution in England. Freedom of religion was one of the most basic rights American’s sought.

How did the founding fathers learn about government? John Locke (1632 - 1704) Philosophical Englishman One of the most influential thinkers during the time of the Revolution First appeared during the Glorious Revolution in England (Founding of Parliament)

Locke’s Political Philosophy Natural Rights Philosophy: Equality Under the Law: Race, Gender, Class, Land Ownership. White male land owners are equal (Radical thinking or the time) Rights come from God: A higher standard. These rights cannot be taken away by any man (if granted by man they can be taken away by man). This is where the term inalienable comes from - can’t be given away - rights are always there - natural part of you Core Rights: Life, Liberty and Property

Nature of Government: Government only exists to protect the rights of people. Authority comes from the consent of the people The government serves us If government doesn’t protect the rights of the people then the people have the right to change or do away with it. Reading

How did the founding fathers learn about government? The most common influence in the colonies was English Common Law England came to dominate the colonies after several wars Greek and Roman traditions were seen as the most important (as they were nearly every where in the western world) Plato - “Those who govern must be wise” Greek and Romans - Democracies can be currupt How can democracies be a bad thing?

The Problem with Governments Tyranny of the majority Legislature - Majority sets the laws They are free from check “Thought Control” - Very difficult to hold thoughts outside the majority Disdain for different opinions News media says the same thing - Pressure to agree Socially enforced through peer pressure

Winston Churchill “Democracy is the absolute worst form of government except for all others which have ever been tried.”

Patriotism keeps people in line U.S. politics are very narrow minded when thinking globally Democrats and Republicans are very similar Fascist, Communist, Socialist, Dictatorships, etc are very radical in our minds We are in the middle of the social/political spectrum

(1775-1783) AMERICAN REVOLUTION

American Revolution Colonists could look at anything in history to use as an example to form their new government Two main points were unanimously agreed upon Government should be the servant, not the master, of the people. A fundamental higher law, or constitution, should limit government Reading

Declaration of Independence Has no actual legal standing, it is not a legal document It is a statement of goals for the United States It is an explanation of values An explanation of why they were separating from England An explanation to the world Equality under the law Kings and peasants are equal under law

Declaration of Independence “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” Where is this familiar?

John Locke’s Basic Theories Core Rights: Life, Liberty and Property Different than the Declaration of Independence “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” Why?

Because it sounds better Every man owning land was still radical thinking The document is PROPAGANDA It is a very broad document so you can read yourself into it “The Pursuit of Happiness...”

The war has been won, now what type of government should the new United States have? What are our options?

Monarchy: Rule of One Usually in an absolute, totalitarian fashion Aristocracy: Rule by a select few Examples: Royal Families, Tribunals Democracy: Rule by Everyone Republic: Rule by few Representatives of the people

Models of Governments Monarchy: The most common at the time. King or Queen runs in an unlimited government Republic: Government where political authority was exercised through the community’s chosen representatives in government Democracy: Ultimate authority is based on the majority. The majority usually consists of the higher population in a class system

Constitutional Government Limited Governments: Established and respected restraints on their powers, restraints such as laws and free and periodic elections Unlimited Governments: Those who govern are free to use their power as they choose, unrestrained by laws or elections. Constitutional Government: The powers of the person or group controlling the government are limited by a set of laws and customs called a constitution.

Constitution A Constitution is a set of customs, traditions, rules, and laws that sets forth the basic way a government is organized and operated. Some are written, partially written, or not written at all. How do you think constitutional governments differ from dictatorships?

U.S. Constitution Written so you can not make things up as you go along Established by the people to show that the people are the center of power Shows a single unified nation, not a nation of independent states Allows us to function in a specific way Establishes higher and fundamental laws that must be obeyed by everyone, including those in power.

Higher Laws Sets the basic natural rights Sets the fact that the government will protect these rights Private domain: Some areas of our lives are private and the government can not know about it or interfere with it Higher laws which protect natural right are done through legal and organizational protection.

Preventing abuse of power Checks and balances No branch of government can operate without cooperation of the other two Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Congress may pass laws, but the president may veto them The president nominates certain government officials, but the Senate must approve them Congress may pass laws but the Supreme Court can declare them unconstitutional

Alexander Hamilton “Give all the power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all power to the few, they will oppress the many.”