1. U.S. History Big Ideas & Concepts

2. Political Development
Themes and Concepts
Political Development
The US political system has developed around democratic values
which aim to ensure people’s rights and voice in government.
Republicanism
Federalism
Rights & Liberties

3. Themes and Concepts Economic Development
The U.S. economy has developed around capitalist values,
and has transformed from a nation of independent farmers
to an industrial giant.
Free Enterprise/ Free Trade
Economic Opportunity
Labor Systems

4. Social & Cultural Development
Themes and Concepts
Social & Cultural Development
US society has become increasingly diverse,
continually struggling to achieve full inclusion of all citizens.
Diversity
Inclusion

5. One more Big Idea… Inconsistencies…
…with Republicanism
Inconsistencies…
Although our country prides itself on its core values,
there have been many instances when we have contradicted those values.
…With
Rights & Liberties
…With Inclusion

6. Inconsistency w/ Republicanism:
Concept Definitions
Politics
Republicanism
people have a
voice in government
Inconsistency w/ Republicanism:
when people were denied
a voice in government

7. Concept Definitions Federalism Politics Powers are divided between
Federal and State governments
Federal Power
Recognizing that the country needs unity & coordination,
powers are given to a central, federal government
Limiting Federal Power
Fearing that a strong federal government would rule tyrannically & take away rights or voice of the people,
efforts are made to maintain the power of states and to
limit the powers of the central, federal government. VS

8. Inconsistency with Rights and Liberties:
Concept Definitions
Politics
Rights and Liberties
people have certain
“God-given” rights
that the government protects
Examples of Rights:
“life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness”
From the Bill of Rights:
freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, property rights, justice/due process.
Inconsistency with Rights and Liberties:
when people were denied rights

9. Free Enterprise & Free Trade
Concept Definitions
Economics
Free Enterprise & Free Trade
the development of
business & trade,
including the notion that
government should not restrict
business and trade activities

10. Concept Definitions Economic Opportunity
Economics
Economic Opportunity
the expectation that, in America, there are
opportunities available
to better an individual’s
economic situation

11. Concept Definitions Labor Systems identifying who does the work;
Economics
Labor Systems
identifying who does the work;
the various systems of labor
used in America

12. Concept Definitions Diversity the variety of people in America
Society & Culture
Diversity
the variety of
people in America

13. Inconsistency with Inclusion:
Concept Definitions
Society & Culture
Inclusion
the notion that every group of people is treated equally
and has access to the same opportunities
Inconsistency with Inclusion:
discrimination;
when people were not treated equally
or not included equally in society.