1. Early Government
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: Why do people form Governments? Why are the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights important to American history?

2. TEKS and Objectives
We will…
(1A) analyze and evaluate the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights (21B) discuss historical reasons why the Constitution has been amended
I will…
Summarize the significance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights by completing a graphic organizer

3. What is a democracy? system of government power vested in the people
citizens rule either directly or through freely elected representatives

4. Enlightenment European intellectual movement
Emphasized reason and individualism
Founding Fathers inspired by Enlightenment ideas

5. Great Awakening Evangelical movement in American colonies
Led by Protestant preachers
Strong Christian influence on U.S. religion, culture, and politics

6. Declaration of Independence
Formally declared colonies’ separation from Great Britain
Established the United States as a sovereign nation

7. Articles of Confederation
Original Constitution of the U.S.
Proved a strong central government was necessary

8. U.S. Constitution Rules for how government should function
Represents fundamental laws and principles of the United States

9. Preamble (Introduction)
#Goals
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

10. Preamble
The preamble lists many goals for creating a new Constitution. Do you think that we have accomplished these goals? Explain your answer.

13. Federalism
System of government in which power is divided between a national (federal) government and various regional governments

15. Separation of Church and State
Establishment Clause
Government cannot force a religion on people
Free Exercise Clause
Government cannot stop people from practicing their religion