Unit 3 Roots of Democracy

Affirm

To state as a fact; confirm

Amend

To change, alter, modify, rephrase, or add to or subject from; to reform

Domestic

Of or related to one's home; within one's nation, state, or area

Governed

The people of a nation who are ruled by a government

Grievance

A complaint based on being treated wrongly or unfairly

Guarantee

To promise or secure something, as in rights or possessions

Posterity

Future generations of people

Preamble

An introductory statement to a document that states its intended purposes or goals

Proposal

To ask, suggest, or introduce an idea

Ratify

To approve or confirm through a vote

Representative

An official who was elected into political office to make decisions on the behalf of the voters

Tranquility

Being in a state of peace and relaxation

Unalienable

Given at birth and unable to be taken away

Welfare

Overall health and well-being

Declaration of Independence

Document that stated grievances against the British King, affirmed certain unalienable rights, stated that all men are created equal, and led to the Revolutionary War

Articles of Confederation

The first form of government for the independent states that created a weak central government, gave states all of the power, & had no power to collect taxes or enforce laws

United States Constitution

As a result of the failure of the Articles of Confederation, this document was written, which is our current structure of government

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments added to the US Constitution that protect individual rights & freedoms, added in 1791.

We the People

Statement at the beginning of the Preamble that demonstrates the concept of consent of the governed.

In order to form a more perfect union

Goal of the Preamble that focuses on improving the government created in the Articles of Confederation.

Establish justice

Goal of the Preamble that focuses on establish fair laws and a national court system.

Ensure domestic tranquility

Goal of the Preamble that establishes peace at home by enforcing the laws and providing a police force.

Provide for the common defense

Goal of the Preamble that creates a national military to defend our borders and protect our citizens.

Promote the general welfare

Goal of the Preamble that focuses on improving the overall health and well-being of American citizens.

Secure the blessings of liberty

Goal of the Preamble that focuses on protecting our rights and freedoms, extending them to future generations.

Four Big Ideas of the US Constitution

Current structure of the US government, equality under the law with majority rule & minority rights protected, affirmed individual dignity & worth or citizens, protects RAPPS freedoms.

First Step in the Amendment Process

Amendment is proposed by a member of Congress (national) or the General Assembly (state).

Final Step in the US Amendment Process

Amendment is ratified by 2/3 vote of each house of Congress and 3/4 of the states.

27 Amendments

Total number of amendments that have been added to the US Constitution because the process is complex.

Article I of the US Constitution

Established the Legislative Branch (Congress) and listed its powers.

Article II of the US Constitution

Established the Executive Branch (President) and listed its powers.

Article III of the US Constitution

Established the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court) and listed its powers.

Unalienable Rights

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

VA Declaration of Rights

Served as a model for the Bill of Rights in the Constitution

VA Statute for Religious Freedom

Guaranteed freedom of religious beliefs and opinions and the idea of separation of church and state

Charters of the VA Company of London

Guaranteed the rights of Englishmen to the colonists

Magna Carta

First established the idea of rule of law - the King was also subject to the law