Foundations of American Democracy

Government Definition

A group of people in charge of running a country.

Hobbes' Philosophy

People are selfish, life without government would be chaotic, and protection/order outweighs rights under one ruler.

Locke's Philosophy

Tabula rasa, governments should protect natural rights (life, liberty, property), and people have the right to revolt via a social contract.

Magna Carta

Limited a king's power for the first time.

Declaration of Independence

Mentions the unalienable rights of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Inspired the Bill of Rights; says government gets its power from the people.

Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

Inspired the First Amendment; limited the government's ability to interfere in people's beliefs.

Articles of Confederation

No executive or judicial branches, national government could not tax, and all states had to agree to changes.

National Government Power (Example)

To declare war.

State Government

To issue driver's licenses.

Local Government Power (Example)

To maintain roads.

Legislative Branch Function

Makes laws.

Executive Branch Function

Enforces laws.

Judicial Branch Function

Interprets laws.

Advantage of Federalism

Prevents national government from having too much power and allows regions to address community needs.

Most Democratic Countries (2025)

Denmark, Sweden, Norway.

Least Democratic Countries (2025)

North Korea, Eritrea, China, Saudi Arabia.

Characteristics of a Democracy

Fair/free elections, equality, citizen rights, divided power, and term limits.

What is the first goal of the preamble

Form a more perfect union

'Establish Justice' Function

Keep order by making and enforcing laws so society stays orderly.

'Promote the General Welfare' Function

Provide services like education, roads, and public health.

'Provide for the Common Defense' Function

Provide security by protecting the country from foreign threats.

'Secure the Blessings of Liberty' Function

Guide the community by creating rules protecting people's freedoms.

Federalism (Fundamental Principle)

A system where power is shared between national and state governments.

Separation of Powers (Fundamental Principle)

Government power is divided into three distinct branches.

Checks and Balances (Fundamental Principle)

A system letting each branch control or limit the powers of other branches.

Popular Sovereignty (Fundamental Principle)

The idea that the government gets its power directly from the people.

Republicanism (Fundamental Principle)

The belief that people should elect representatives to run the government for them.

Limited Government (Fundamental Principle)

The government can only do what the people give it the power to do.

What are the 3 branches of goverment?

Legislative, Executive and Judicial

What is the second goal of the preamble

establish justice

What is the 3rd goal of the Preamble

insure domestic tranquility

What is the fourth goal of the Preamble

provide for common defense

What is the 5th goal of the Preamble

promote general welfare

What is the 6th goal of the Preamble

secure liberty

What is the government pyramid from top to bottom

Federal, State, Local