Foundations of political government and articles of federation

Functions of Government

• Three Functions of Government:

  1. Legislative: Makes the laws.

  2. Executive: Enforces the laws.

  3. Judicial: Ensures fairness of laws.

Republican Government

• Definition: A republican government is one where the power is held by the people.

• Key Features:

  • Power is granted to elected representatives to act in the interest of all citizens.

  • Representatives are responsible for the welfare of everyone, not just a select few.

Vocabulary Terms

• Representatives: Individuals elected to represent others.

• Interests: Matters that benefit individuals.

Advantages of Republican Government

• Fairness: Elected representatives create fair laws; if they fail, others can be chosen.

• Common Welfare: Laws are designed to benefit all citizens.

• Freedom and Prosperity: Citizens experience greater freedom and quality of life.

Concepts

• Common Welfare: Focus on government helping all citizens, not just a few.

• Civic Virtue: The drive to help others and promote the common welfare.

Social Contract (1672)

• All citizens should participate in democracy.

• Laws should represent the general will of the populace.

• Advocates for equality and political revolution alongside social revolution.

• Established principles:

  • King cannot tax without Parliament's consent.

  • Free elections and freedom of speech for Parliament members.

  • Rights to petition and bear arms for protection.

  • Prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments.

  • Right to trial by jury.

Natural Rights (1690)

• Definition: Fundamental human rights inherent to all individuals.

• Three Natural Rights: Life, Liberty, Property.

• Purpose of Government: Protect these rights.

• State of Nature: Absence of government, leading to insecurity.

• Social Contract: Exchange of certain rights for protection of fundamental rights.

Evolution of the Government of the USA

• Colonial Assemblies (1609 - 1776):

  • Bicameral representation; king appointed governors.

  • People elected Assemblies (representatives).

  • Separation of powers established.

• State Constitutions (1776 - 1781):

  • Lacked balance and separation of powers.

  • Legislatures held supreme power.

  • Included Bill of Rights.

• Articles of Confederation (1781 - 1788):

  • Weak national government; strong state governments.

  • Congress lacked taxation and trade regulation powers.

  • A unicameral legislature was established.

  • No executive or judicial powers.

• Constitution (1789 - Present):

  • Introduced checks and balances; and separation of powers.

  • Federalism and the Bill of Rights were implemented.

State Constitutions

• Established during the War for Independence.

• Describe the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

• Most constitutions lacked a balance of powers and fundamental law characteristics.

• Bill of Rights was modeled after the English Bill of Rights (George Mason).

Major Problems of the Articles of Confederation

• Power Distribution: National vs. State government (fear of tyranny).

• Lack of Taxation Powers: Led to the inability to fund the government, military, and public services.

• Debts and Economic Issues: Heavy debt from wars, and ineffective attempts at creating a federal currency.

• Disagreements among States: Conflicts over borders, tariffs, and trade regulations.

• Foreign Relations Issues: British presence in Northwest territories and support for Native Americans against U.S. expansion.

Shays’ Rebellion and the Articles' Failures

• Shays’ Rebellion: Revolt against tax seizure of property leading to increased concern for national governance.

• Failures of Articles:

  1. Lack of taxation and commerce regulation.

  2. Absence of executive and judicial authority.

  3. Legislative challenges are due to the required approval from 9 out of 13 states.

  4. Rigid amendment procedures.

• Achievements of the Articles:

  1. Settled Western lands and established statehood process.

  2. Land Ordinance of 1785/1787 organized land and education.

Call for a National Convention

• Emerging nationalist leaders sought a stronger federal government.

• The convention aimed to revise the Articles and instate effective government powers:

  • Taxation and trade controls.

  • Establishing executive and judicial branches.

  • Streamlining voting and amendment procedures.

A republic is a form of government in which the power is held by the people and their elected representatives, as opposed to a monarchy or dictatorship. In a republican government, representatives are chosen through elections and are responsible for acting in the interest of all citizens. Key features include:

• Power is granted to elected representatives to act on behalf of the public.

• Focus on the common welfare, ensuring laws benefit all citizens, not just a select few.

• Civic virtue is the drive to help others and promote the common good.

Overall, a republic emphasizes the importance of fairness, citizen participation, and the protection of individual rights.