Foundations of American Democracy

Foundations of American Democracy

  • Key Ideas:
    • 1776 - Second Continental Congress:
    • Decision to form a limited government based on principles such as:
      • Natural Rights
      • Popular Sovereignty
      • Republicanism
      • The Social Contract

Principles of Governance

  • Limited Government:

    • Restrictions on federal government to protect individual rights.
    • A deliberate departure from British monarchy ideals.

  • Natural Rights:

    • Rights that people are born with and cannot be surrendered.
    • The government's role is to uphold these rights (e.g., Locke's "life, liberty, & property").

  • Social Contract:

    • Agreement where society gives up some freedoms in exchange for government protection.
    • The theory was advanced by Thomas Hobbes.

  • Popular Sovereignty:

    • The authority of government is derived from the consent of the governed.
    • Citizens have the right to revolt against unjust government.

  • Republicanism:

    • Elected representatives act on behalf of the people.

Key Historical Figures

  • John Adams: Massachusetts statesman and independence leader.
  • Benjamin Franklin: Pennsylvania statesman involved in the declaration's drafting.
  • Alexander Hamilton: New York statesman advocating for a stronger federal government, coauthor of Federalist Papers.
  • Thomas Jefferson: Principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
  • James Madison: Virginia statesman and coauthor of the Federalist Papers.

Constitutional Convention

  • A meeting to revise or replace the Articles of Confederation.

Importance of the Declaration of Independence

  • Outlines grievances leading to the colonies' desire for independence.
  • Restates concepts of popular sovereignty and social contract.

The Constitution

  • Blueprint for the structure and function of the government.

Types of Democracy

  • Democratic Republic:
    • Power to govern is derived from citizens.
  • Participatory Democracy:
    • Citizens have direct influence on policy decisions (e.g., Town Hall meetings).
  • Direct Democracy:
    • Citizens directly create laws and policies via initiatives and referendums.
  • Pluralist Democracy:
    • Various groups compete for power; no single entity dominates politics.
  • Elite Democracy:
    • A small number of elites hold significant influence, such as through the Electoral College.

Key Documents to Know

  • Federalist No. 10:
    • Madison supports a strong representative government to mitigate faction effects.
  • Brutus No. 1:
    • Anti-Federalist perspective arguing a strong government cannot cater to citizens' needs.

Articles of Confederation Challenges

  • Allowed states excessive autonomy and limited federal authority:
    • Could only coin money, run post offices, and interact with foreign powers.
    • High threshold for passing laws (9 out of 13 states needed).
    • No federal tax or military power, leading to economic instability (e.g., Shays' Rebellion).

Constitution and Amendment Process

  • Amendment:
    • Requires a proposal by either a two-thirds vote in Congress or a national convention, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states.

Constitution Ratification

  • Great Compromise:
    • Established a bicameral legislature with equal Senate representation and House representation based on population.
  • 3/5 Compromise:
    • Addressed slave population representation.

Principles of American Government

  • Branches of Government:
    • Legislative Branch:
    • Responsible to pass laws, declare war, and regulate commerce.
    • Executive Branch:
    • Commands the military and conducts foreign affairs.
    • Judicial Branch:
    • Interprets laws and has the power of judicial review.

Checks and Balances

  • Federalist No. 51:
    • Argues for a structure where government officials can check each other's power to prevent factions from forming.

Relationship Between States and the Federal Government

  • Federalism:
    • Multiple layers of government jurisdiction, ensuring cooperation and overlapping powers.
  • Article IV:
    • States must recognize each other's laws and respect their sovereignty.

Powers in Federalism

  • Exclusive Powers:
    • Federal: Coin money, declare war, foreign affairs.
    • State: Elections, public health, safety, and welfare.
  • Concurrent Powers:
    • Shared powers, including taxation and law enforcement.
  • Types of Grants:
    • Categorical Grants: Specific purposes.
    • Block Grants: Broader use.
    • Unfunded Mandates: Requirements from the federal government without funding support.