FCLE Review- Competency 1

Locke and consent of the governed/ social contract

- John Locke proposed that individuals enter into a social contract to form a government

- The legitimacy of political authority derives from the consent of the governed

- Citizens' active participation and agreement with the government's actions are crucial for its legitimacy and function

Checks and balances/ separation of powers/ montesquieu and limited government

- Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers to prevent tyranny and concentration of authority

- The 3 branches of government (Legislative, Executive, and judicial) have distinct roles and function

Purpose of checks and balances

- Ensures no single branch becomes too powerful and to foster government accountability

- Each branch has the ability to limit and check the powers of the other branches.

Rule of law

- Essential component of democratic government

- The rule of law ensures that government actions are bound by legal principles and constraints

- No one, including govt officials, is above the law

Limits on the use if power by the govt

- The rule of law places restrictions on the exercise of govt power, protecting individual rights and promoting justice and fairness

Due process

- fair procedures within the boundaries of the law

- refers to the fair treatment of individuals in legal proceedings

- it guarantees that individuals are entitled to certain legal procedures and protections

Justice system and how it works

- Due process is upheld through the justice system, where accused individuals have the right to a fair trial and legal representation.

Equality Under the Law

- Equal Treatment and Equal Protection Without the Guarantee of Equal Outcomes of the Law

- Equality under the law means that all individuals are entitled to the same treatment and protection, regardless of differences

Popular Sovereignty

- Government is Created by and Subject to the Will of the People

- Popular sovereignty asserts that the ultimate source of authority lies with the people

- Government exists to serve the people and govern based on their consent

Popular sovereignty connection to the Founding Documents

- The preamble to the United States Constitution begins with "We the People," emphasizing popular sovereignty as the foundation of the government

Natural Rights and Natural Law (As Understood by the Founders and Seen in Our Founding Documents)

- The Founders believed in natural rights that are inherent to all individuals, such as life, liberty and property.

- These rights are reflected in the Declaration of Independence as "unalienable rights."

What Does Federalism Look Like in Theory and in Practice

- Federalism is a system of government where power is shared between the national (federal) government and state governments. - Both levels of government have distinct powers and responsibilities.

How Federalism Has Influenced the Development of the United States Government

- Federalism allows for localized decision-making and diverse governance while maintaining a unified national identity.

The Importance of Political and Religious Liberty to the Founders

- The Founders believed in safeguarding individual liberties, including political and religious freedoms.

- The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, and assembly

What Religious Liberty Looks Like Over Time and in Contemporary Practice

Religious liberty has evolved to protect diverse beliefs and prevent government interference in religious matters.

Republicanism and Representative Democratic Government

The Constitutional Guarantee of a Republican

(Representative) Form of Government for Each State

The Constitution guarantees that each state will have a republican form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Origins of the Ideas of Democracy and the Republic

The United States combines democratic principles, where the people have a voice, with republican principles, where representatives govern within the framework of the Constitution.

Differences Between Republican and Democratic (Small "r," Small "d") Forms of Government

Republican government involves elected representation, while democratic government directly involves the people in decision-making.

How the United States Functions as a Constitutional Republic

The United States operates as a constitutional republic where elected representatives govern according to the Constitution's framework

Why the Founders Did Not Favor a Purely Democratic Form of Government

The Founders feared the potential for majority tyranny in a purely democratic government and sought to protect minority rights.

Constitutionalism - Adherence to a Constitutional Form of Government

- Constitutionalism means that government actions are limited by the Constitution.

- The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land.

Constitutionalism- Philosophical and Practical Foundations

Constitutionalism establishes a system of checks and balances, preventing the abuse of power and ensuring government accountability.

Majority Rule and Minority Rights- Constitutional and Practical Applications

- Majority rule means that decisions are made based on the majority's preferences.

- Minority rights protect the interests of individuals and groups from potential oppression by the majority.

Equal Protection- Its Meaning and Practice Under the Constitution and Associated Amendments

- Equal protection under the law ensures that all individuals are treated equally by the government.

- The Fourteenth Amendment prohibits states from denying equal protection to any person within their jurisdiction

Bill of Rights and the Protections of Civil Rights and Liberties- What the Bill of Rights Looks Like in Historical and Contemporary Practice

- The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing essential civil rights and liberties.

- Reasons for and Ways in Which Rights and Liberties Guaranteed Under the Bill of Rights May Be Limited

- Rights and liberties may be limited in certain situations to protect public safety, national security, or to balance conflicting interests.

The Importance of Free, Fair, and Secure Elections

Free and fair elections are essential for a functioning democracy, ensuring that the people's will is accurately reflected in government representation.

How Elections Work at the State and Federal Levels

Elections at the state and federal levels involve voting, campaigning, and the electoral process to choose representatives and leaders.