Constitution, Rights, and Native Americans

Under the Constitution, anyone (Catholic, Muslim, deist, or even atheist) could become president.
Madison was committed to separating church and state and opposed having chaplains in Congress and the military.
The Bill of Rights guarantees freedoms of speech, press, and religion (First Amendment).
The Bill of Rights initially didn't excite much enthusiasm and was mostly overlooked for many years.
In the twentieth century, it became a key part of American freedom.
The Bill of Rights helped shape how liberty was understood.
Although it only applied to the federal government at first, it reinforced the idea that a powerful national government could threaten freedom.
It contributed to the ongoing discussion of freedom in terms of rights.
Freedom of speech and the press are essential for a democratic society.
Originally seen as privileges for members of Parliament and colonial assemblies, free speech became recognized as a basic right for all citizens.
The Bill of Rights established freedom of expression as a key part of American understanding of freedom.

The Bill of Rights includes the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
It garnered significant attention during the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s.
Civil rights activists and leaders during this time used the Bill of Rights to advocate for social change, guaranteeing freedoms and equality.
The Supreme Court played a crucial role in interpreting the Bill of Rights, leading to its increased importance in protecting individual liberties against government overreach.
This renewed interest in the Bill of Rights highlighted its role in safeguarding civil liberties and promoting social justice, leading to a deeper understanding of its relevance in American democracy.

Key Concept 3.3: Migration within North America and competition over resources, boundaries, and trade intensified conflicts among peoples and nations.
In the decades after American independence, interactions among different groups resulted in competition for resources, shifting alliances, and cultural blending.
Explain the effect American Independence had on American Indian societies.
Explain the change over time that occurred between American Indians and the Federal Government following American Independence.
Explain the effect of migrant movement westward following American Independence.

The debate over who "We the People" (how the constitution begins) is an important theme of American History.
Initially, "People" meant only white males.
Native Americans and "other persons" (slaves) were mentioned but not given the rights of the constitution.
Who is an American, Constitutionally, was supposed to be defined as anyone devoted to the same social values and political institutions (Civic Nationalism).
Yet, for much of American history it has been also about race, gender, and birthplace, rather than political allegiance.

The US government from its beginning hoped to encourage westward expansion.
Two options:
- Removal of Native Americans to further western Lands
- Their incorporation into white "civilized" society.
Those tribes that "civilized" found that the efforts still resulted in their removal.
Natives should not control land in the west.

Open warfare over Native American lands would become the norm in American History until the late 1800s.
States often ignored federal treaties, and conflicts resulted.
Most battles ended with Native people being granted "annuity" payments as part of a treaty system.
Tribes were given money by the federal government on a yearly basis.
This actually puts Native Americans under further control of the US government.