American Democracy Principles Explained

PRINCIPLES of AMERICAN DEMOCRACYPRINCIPLES of AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
 Principles of the ConstitutionPrinciples of the Constitution
 English GovernmentEnglish Government
 EnlightenmentEnlightenment
 Colonial PeriodColonial Period
 Revolutionary PeriodRevolutionary Period
 Articles of ConfederationArticles of Confederation
 Constitutional ConventionConstitutional Convention
 The ConstitutionThe Constitution

Principles of the ConstitutionPrinciples of the Constitution
 These are major concepts embedded in the Constitution. EachThese are major concepts embedded in the Constitution. Each
of these concepts are important ideas that deal with limitingof these concepts are important ideas that deal with limiting
the power of government, and ensuring that the people retainthe power of government, and ensuring that the people retain
power and rights.power and rights.
1.1. Popular SovereigntyPopular Sovereignty – The people rule.– The people rule.
2.2. Limited GovernmentLimited Government – The people retain certain rights that– The people retain certain rights that
cannot be denied by the government.cannot be denied by the government.
3.3. Individual RightsIndividual Rights – Freedoms guaranteed to citizens.– Freedoms guaranteed to citizens.
4.4. FederalismFederalism – The states and the federal government share– The states and the federal government share
power.power.
5.5. Separation of PowerSeparation of Power – 3 Branches +– 3 Branches + Checks & BalancesChecks & Balances..
6.6. Rule of LawRule of Law – Everyone must follow the law.– Everyone must follow the law.

Magna CartaMagna Carta
The Magna Carta is important because it representsThe Magna Carta is important because it represents
the beginning of a republican form of government inthe beginning of a republican form of government in
England. Prior to the Magna Carta, England had anEngland. Prior to the Magna Carta, England had an
absolute monarch.absolute monarch.
Before the Magna CartaBefore the Magna Carta
 The Monarch (King or Queen)The Monarch (King or Queen)
had absolute authority.had absolute authority.
 Decisions of taxing, use of theDecisions of taxing, use of the
military, making and enforcingmilitary, making and enforcing
laws all were made by thelaws all were made by the
monarch.monarch.
After the Magna CartaAfter the Magna Carta
 A Common Counsel was createdA Common Counsel was created
made up of Nobles (largemade up of Nobles (large
landowners and church officials)landowners and church officials)
Changes After the Magna CartaChanges After the Magna Carta
 Taxes (consult common counsel)Taxes (consult common counsel)
 Must have witness to crime.Must have witness to crime.
 Trial by JuryTrial by Jury
 English Church free of MonarchEnglish Church free of Monarch
ControlControl

PARLIAMENTPARLIAMENT
English Legislative Branch (BICAMERAL)English Legislative Branch (BICAMERAL)
House of Lords & House of CommonsHouse of Lords & House of Commons
HOUSE OF LORDSHOUSE OF LORDS
 Made up of NoblesMade up of Nobles
 Seat is InheritedSeat is Inherited
HOUSE OF COMMONSHOUSE OF COMMONS
 Members are ElectedMembers are Elected
 Come from Towns &Come from Towns &
Cities throughoutCities throughout
EnglandEngland
 RepresentativeRepresentative
DemocracyDemocracy

ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS (1689)ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS (1689)
Between 1215 & the 1600’s the Common Counsel became a muchBetween 1215 & the 1600’s the Common Counsel became a much
more formal Parliament. The English Bill of Rights followed themore formal Parliament. The English Bill of Rights followed the
English Civil War. This document transformed English GovernmentEnglish Civil War. This document transformed English Government
even further than the Magna Carta.even further than the Magna Carta.
Parliament has following powers in English GovernmentParliament has following powers in English Government
1.1. Power to TaxPower to Tax
2.2. Make LawsMake Laws
3.3. Control of the Nation’s ArmyControl of the Nation’s Army

COMMON LAWCOMMON LAW
 A system of law based on precedents.A system of law based on precedents.
 A precedent is an earlier decision made by a judgeA precedent is an earlier decision made by a judge
that serves as a model for future cases.that serves as a model for future cases.
 Over time common law creates a system ofOver time common law creates a system of
consistent rulings.consistent rulings.
 English Common Law has been used in theEnglish Common Law has been used in the
development of contracts, marriages, etc… in thedevelopment of contracts, marriages, etc… in the
United States.United States.

ENLIGHTENMENTENLIGHTENMENT
 During the Enlightenment Period many ideasDuring the Enlightenment Period many ideas
that influenced the Framers of the Unitedthat influenced the Framers of the United
States Government developed. These ideasStates Government developed. These ideas
are seen in the Declaration of Independenceare seen in the Declaration of Independence
and the Constitution.and the Constitution.
Enlightenment PhilosophersEnlightenment Philosophers
 John LockeJohn Locke – natural rights, purpose of government– natural rights, purpose of government
 MontesquieuMontesquieu – separation of power, checks & balances– separation of power, checks & balances

Thomas HobbesThomas Hobbes
 Hobbes was an English philosopher. He was olderHobbes was an English philosopher. He was older
than Locke, but they lived at the same time. Hobbesthan Locke, but they lived at the same time. Hobbes
described life in a “state of nature” as “nasty,described life in a “state of nature” as “nasty,
brutish, and short”.brutish, and short”.
 He felt that people entered into a social contractHe felt that people entered into a social contract
for fear of a violent death. Hobbes unlike Lockefor fear of a violent death. Hobbes unlike Locke
believed in the divine right of kings. This meant thatbelieved in the divine right of kings. This meant that
the ruler obtained absolute power, and the peoplethe ruler obtained absolute power, and the people
had no right to question his/her rule or revolt.had no right to question his/her rule or revolt.

John LockeJohn Locke
 Locke was an English philosopher who lived during theLocke was an English philosopher who lived during the
English Civil War. He believed that God granted manEnglish Civil War. He believed that God granted man
3 natural rights (life, liberty, property).3 natural rights (life, liberty, property).
 Locke said that people entered into a social contractLocke said that people entered into a social contract
with their government. People agreed to pay taxeswith their government. People agreed to pay taxes
and follow reasonable laws. The government inand follow reasonable laws. The government in
exchange must protect these natural rights.exchange must protect these natural rights.
 Locke believed if government did not protect theseLocke believed if government did not protect these
natural rights, the government had broken thenatural rights, the government had broken the
contract. In this case, the people had the right tocontract. In this case, the people had the right to
overthrow the government.overthrow the government.

MontesquieuMontesquieu
 Montesquieu was an important philosopher in theMontesquieu was an important philosopher in the
development of the American democracy.development of the American democracy.
Montesquieu came up with the idea of a separationMontesquieu came up with the idea of a separation
of power.of power.
 He felt that if one person obtained all power, thereHe felt that if one person obtained all power, there
could be no liberty. He felt that there should be acould be no liberty. He felt that there should be a
separation between the legislative, executive, andseparation between the legislative, executive, and
judicial. Power should be a check on power. “Powerjudicial. Power should be a check on power. “Power
corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.”corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Map of the AmericasMap of the Americas
 The following map showsThe following map shows
European Countries andEuropean Countries and
where each set up colonieswhere each set up colonies
in the New World.in the New World.

Mercantilism & Colonial PeriodMercantilism & Colonial Period
MercantilismMercantilism
 Economic Policy that aEconomic Policy that a
country should sell morecountry should sell more
goods to other countriesgoods to other countries
than it buys.than it buys.
 EXPORT > IMPORTEXPORT > IMPORT
 Salutary NeglectSalutary Neglect – England– England
will allow colonies to rulewill allow colonies to rule
themselves. Need rawthemselves. Need raw
materials.materials.
Colonial PeriodColonial Period
 ColonyColony – A group of people in– A group of people in
one place ruled by aone place ruled by a
government in another.government in another.
 European Nations began toEuropean Nations began to
colonize the Americas.colonize the Americas.
 Colonies provided motherColonies provided mother
country with a cheap sourcecountry with a cheap source
of raw materials, could thenof raw materials, could then
produce finished products toproduce finished products to
export to colonies, and otherexport to colonies, and other
parts of the world.parts of the world.

Early English ColoniesEarly English Colonies
JAMESTOWN COLONYJAMESTOWN COLONY
 Representative DemocracyRepresentative Democracy
 House of BurgessesHouse of Burgesses
 22 Members - House of22 Members - House of
Burgesses were elected byBurgesses were elected by
colonistscolonists
PLYMOUTH COLONYPLYMOUTH COLONY
 Colonists on theColonists on the
Mayflower signed aMayflower signed a
document called thedocument called the
Mayflower Compact.Mayflower Compact.
 The Mayflower CompactThe Mayflower Compact
created a directcreated a direct
democracy.democracy.
 Members of the colonyMembers of the colony
would come togetherwould come together
periodically, and vote onperiodically, and vote on
the direction the colonythe direction the colony
would take.would take.

The 13 ColoniesThe 13 Colonies
ColoniesColonies MotivationsMotivations EconomyEconomy
NewNew
EnglandEngland
ColoniesColonies
MassachusettsMassachusetts
New HampshireNew Hampshire
ConnecticutConnecticut
Rhode IslandRhode Island
Mainly religiousMainly religious
dissenters –dissenters –
Puritans didPuritans did
not believe innot believe in
tolerationtoleration
Small scaleSmall scale
farming; smallfarming; small
business &business &
shipbuildingshipbuilding
MiddleMiddle
ColoniesColonies
New YorkNew York
New JerseyNew Jersey
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
DelawareDelaware
Mainly religiousMainly religious
dissenters –dissenters –
Quakers (Penn)Quakers (Penn)
Farming –Farming –
wheat & otherwheat & other
cash crops;cash crops;
industry –industry –
mines, etc…mines, etc…
SouthernSouthern
ColoniesColonies
MarylandMaryland
VirginiaVirginia
NC, SCNC, SC
GeorgiaGeorgia
EconomicEconomic
Reasons –Reasons –
indenturedindentured
servants &servants &
slaveryslavery
Agriculture –Agriculture –
large scalelarge scale
plantationplantation
farmingfarming

COLONIAL GOVERNMENTSCOLONIAL GOVERNMENTS
COLONIAL
GOVERNMENTS
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
• Governor
• Appointed by
King or Elected
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
• Many were Bicameral
• Elected Members
• Representative
Democracy
JUDICIAL BRANCH
• Judges were appointed
by King
• Trial by Jury

FRENCH & INDIAN WARFRENCH & INDIAN WAR
 The French & Indian War resulted from a land disputeThe French & Indian War resulted from a land dispute
between the French & the English. Fought in the midbetween the French & the English. Fought in the mid
1750’s, the British came out of the war having gained1750’s, the British came out of the war having gained
territory in the Americas.territory in the Americas.
 This war however had disastrous effects on theThis war however had disastrous effects on the
relationship between the British and the colonies.relationship between the British and the colonies.
 Due to fighting with the French in the Americas and inDue to fighting with the French in the Americas and in
Europe, England was in debt. The English felt that theEurope, England was in debt. The English felt that the
colonies should pay for the French & Indian War.colonies should pay for the French & Indian War.
 The Colonists felt that protection was a part of theThe Colonists felt that protection was a part of the
relationship between the British & The Colonies.relationship between the British & The Colonies.

FRENCH & INDIAN WAR MAPSFRENCH & INDIAN WAR MAPS
BEFOREBEFORE AFTERAFTER

REVOLUTIONARY PERIODREVOLUTIONARY PERIOD
Period in the Americas betweenPeriod in the Americas between the late 1750’s and the midthe late 1750’s and the mid
1770’s.1770’s. This period led to the Declaration of Independence andThis period led to the Declaration of Independence and
the Revolutionary War.the Revolutionary War.
CAUSES OF THE AMERICANCAUSES OF THE AMERICAN
REVOLUTIONREVOLUTION
 Navigation ActsNavigation Acts (1660)(1660)
 Sugar ActSugar Act (1764)(1764)
 Stamp ActStamp Act (1765)(1765)
 Quartering ActQuartering Act (1765)(1765)
 Townshend ActsTownshend Acts (1767)(1767)
 Writs of AssistanceWrits of Assistance
 Proclamation ActProclamation Act (1767)(1767)
 Boston MassacreBoston Massacre (1770)(1770)
 Tea ActTea Act (1773)(1773)
 Coercive (Intolerable) ActsCoercive (Intolerable) Acts (1774)(1774)
 Battles of Lexington & ConcordBattles of Lexington & Concord
(Massachusetts)(Massachusetts)
COLONIALCOLONIAL OPPOSITIONOPPOSITION
1.1. Albany Plan of UnionAlbany Plan of Union (1754)(1754)
2.2. Sons of LibertySons of Liberty – Stamp Act– Stamp Act
3.3. Stamp Act CongressStamp Act Congress
4.4. Committees of CorrespondenceCommittees of Correspondence
5.5. Boston Tea PartyBoston Tea Party
6.6. Thomas Paine –Thomas Paine – Common SenseCommon Sense
COLONIAL SOLUTUIONSCOLONIAL SOLUTUIONS
 11stst
Continental CongressContinental Congress – drafted– drafted
letter to King and Parliamentletter to King and Parliament
demanding rights be restored.demanding rights be restored.
 22ndnd
Continental CongressContinental Congress ––
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCEDECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

13 Colonies in 177613 Colonies in 1776

22ndnd
Continental CongressContinental Congress
 Declaration of Independence (1776)Declaration of Independence (1776)
 Revolutionary War (1776-1783)Revolutionary War (1776-1783)
 Articles of Confederation (1781)Articles of Confederation (1781)
 Treaty of Paris (1783)Treaty of Paris (1783)

Treaty of Paris (1783)Treaty of Paris (1783)
 United States gains IndependenceUnited States gains Independence
 British troops to leave US soilBritish troops to leave US soil
 United States gains land to theUnited States gains land to the
Mississippi RiverMississippi River

United States in 1783United States in 1783

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATIONARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
GOVERNMENTGOVERNMENT
 Congress – Each State had one Vote.Congress – Each State had one Vote.
Powers of CongressPowers of Congress
 Make LawsMake Laws
 Declare War & Make PeaceDeclare War & Make Peace
 Make Treaties & AlliancesMake Treaties & Alliances
 Borrow MoneyBorrow Money
 Maintain Army & NavyMaintain Army & Navy
 Other Less Important MattersOther Less Important Matters

Weaknesses of the Articles ofWeaknesses of the Articles of
ConfederationConfederation
1)1) Congress – Limited Powers (most needed 9 of 13Congress – Limited Powers (most needed 9 of 13
states to agree)states to agree)
2)2) No Executive Branch – Enforce LawsNo Executive Branch – Enforce Laws
3)3) No Judicial Branch – Settle State DisputesNo Judicial Branch – Settle State Disputes
4)4) No Power to TaxNo Power to Tax
5)5) No Money = No MilitaryNo Money = No Military
6)6) Amendments – Needed Approval of all 13 StatesAmendments – Needed Approval of all 13 States

Major Issues under the ArticlesMajor Issues under the Articles
of Confederationof Confederation
 British troops have not left US soil.British troops have not left US soil.
 French/Spanish will not allow use ofFrench/Spanish will not allow use of
Mississippi River.Mississippi River.
 Debts contracted during theDebts contracted during the
Revolutionary War have not been paid.Revolutionary War have not been paid.
 Shay’s Rebellion.Shay’s Rebellion.
 Economy is very poor.Economy is very poor.

The Constitutional ConventionThe Constitutional Convention
VIRGINIA PLANVIRGINIA PLAN
 3 Separate Branches3 Separate Branches
(legislative will elect other 2)(legislative will elect other 2)
 Bicameral LegislatureBicameral Legislature
(based on population & $(based on population & $
contributions)contributions)
 Authority to cancelAuthority to cancel
conflicting state lawsconflicting state laws
NEW JERSEY PLANNEW JERSEY PLAN
 Unicameral Legislature (1Unicameral Legislature (1
vote)vote)
 Plural Executive – selectedPlural Executive – selected
by Congressby Congress
 Supreme Court – appointedSupreme Court – appointed
for life by the executivefor life by the executive
GREAT COMPROMISEGREAT COMPROMISE
(AKA – Sherman or Connecticut)(AKA – Sherman or Connecticut)
1) Congress – Bicameral1) Congress – Bicameral
 House of Representatives –House of Representatives –
based on population, directlybased on population, directly
elected by the peopleelected by the people
 Senate – 2 Representatives perSenate – 2 Representatives per
state – chosen by statestate – chosen by state
legislatureslegislatures
2) 3/5 Compromise – Every 52) 3/5 Compromise – Every 5
Slaves would count as 3 personsSlaves would count as 3 persons
for population & taxingfor population & taxing
3) Economics3) Economics
 President enters into treatiesPresident enters into treaties
 Slave trade not prohibited (20Slave trade not prohibited (20
years)years)
 Congress cannot tax exportsCongress cannot tax exports
 Treaties – 2/3 Senate approvalTreaties – 2/3 Senate approval

FEDERALISTSFEDERALISTS
People who supported the RatificationPeople who supported the Ratification
(Approval) of the Constitution(Approval) of the Constitution
 Wrote aWrote a collection of essays in support of the newcollection of essays in support of the new
Constitution.Constitution.
 The purpose of the essays was to show how the newThe purpose of the essays was to show how the new
Constitution would solve many of the problems that existedConstitution would solve many of the problems that existed
under the Articles of Confederation.under the Articles of Confederation.
 Three men combined to write 85 of the essays.Three men combined to write 85 of the essays.

ANTI-FEDERALISTSANTI-FEDERALISTS
People who opposed the ratification of the newPeople who opposed the ratification of the new
 Criticized the adoption of the Constitution of 1787.Criticized the adoption of the Constitution of 1787.
 Opposition to slavery – continue to exist under the newOpposition to slavery – continue to exist under the new
 States would lose power under the Constitution.States would lose power under the Constitution.
 Federal Government would be too powerful. People still fear aFederal Government would be too powerful. People still fear a
strong central government.strong central government.
 #1 opposition – NO BILL of RIGHTS!#1 opposition – NO BILL of RIGHTS!
 Anti-Federalists (Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, John Hancock,Anti-Federalists (Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, John Hancock,
Richard Henry Lee, George Mason)Richard Henry Lee, George Mason)

THE CONSTITUTIONTHE CONSTITUTION
 PREAMBLEPREAMBLE
 A preamble is an introduction. The introduction to the ConstitutionA preamble is an introduction. The introduction to the Constitution
lists the goals of the Constitution.lists the goals of the Constitution.
 The goals of the Constitution refer to problems under the Articles ofThe goals of the Constitution refer to problems under the Articles of
Confederation.Confederation.
 GOALS OF THE CONSTITUTIONGOALS OF THE CONSTITUTION
1)1) Form a More Perfect UnionForm a More Perfect Union
2)2) Establish JusticeEstablish Justice
3)3) Insure Domestic TranquilityInsure Domestic Tranquility
4)4) Provide for the Common DefenseProvide for the Common Defense
5)5) Promote the General WelfarePromote the General Welfare
6)6) Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and Our PosteritySecure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and Our Posterity

STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTIONSTRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION
7 ARTICLES OF THE CONSTITUTION7 ARTICLES OF THE CONSTITUTION
Article IArticle I Legislative BranchLegislative Branch
Article IIArticle II Executive BranchExecutive Branch
Article IIIArticle III Judicial BranchJudicial Branch
Article IVArticle IV States and the Federal GovernmentStates and the Federal Government
Article VArticle V Amendment ProcessAmendment Process
Article VIArticle VI Supremacy of National LawSupremacy of National Law
Article VIIArticle VII RatificationRatification

ARTICLE I: LEGISLATIVEARTICLE I: LEGISLATIVE
BRANCHBRANCH
CONGRESS (BICAMERAL) – PURPOSE = MAKE LAWSCONGRESS (BICAMERAL) – PURPOSE = MAKE LAWS
Section 1Section 1: Name = Congress – Bicameral (House of Reps & Senate)
Section 2Section 2: House of Representatives
Section 3: Senate
Section 4: Congressional Elections & Congressional Meetings
Section 5: Rules for Conducting Business in Congress
Section 6: Congressional Salaries
Section 7: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Section 8: Powers of Congress
Section 9: Powers Denied to Congress
Section 10: Powers Denied to the States

ARTICLE I: LEGISLATIVEARTICLE I: LEGISLATIVE
BRANCHBRANCH
CONGRESS (BICAMERAL) – PURPOSE = MAKE LAWSCONGRESS (BICAMERAL) – PURPOSE = MAKE LAWS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESHOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 Based on State PopulationBased on State Population
 Directly Elected by PeopleDirectly Elected by People
MAJOR POWERS OFMAJOR POWERS OF
CONGRESSCONGRESS
 TaxTax
 Declare WarDeclare War
 Raise/Maintain and ArmyRaise/Maintain and Army
 Regulate Interstate TradeRegulate Interstate Trade
 Tax ImportsTax Imports
 Create Postal SystemCreate Postal System
 Coin MoneyCoin Money
 Create Lower Federal CourtsCreate Lower Federal Courts
SENATESENATE
 2 Per State2 Per State
 Originally selected by StateOriginally selected by State
LegislaturesLegislatures
 Today Directly ElectedToday Directly Elected
POWERS DENIED CONGRESS
• Suspend Writ of Habeas
Corpus
• Pass Bills of Attainder
• Ex Post Facto Law
• Tax Exports

ARTICLE II: EXECUTIVE BRANCHARTICLE II: EXECUTIVE BRANCH
PRESIDENT: PURPOSE – ENFORCE THE LAWPRESIDENT: PURPOSE – ENFORCE THE LAW
Section 1Section 1: Presidential Election (Method, Qualifications, etc…)
Section 2: Powers of the President
Section 3: President & Congress Relationship
Section 4: Impeachment & Cause for Removal

ARTICLE II: EXECUTIVE BRANCHARTICLE II: EXECUTIVE BRANCH
PRESIDENT: PURPOSE – ENFORCE THE LAWPRESIDENT: PURPOSE – ENFORCE THE LAW
ROLES OF THEROLES OF THE
PRESIDENTPRESIDENT
 Chief ExecutiveChief Executive
 Commander-in-ChiefCommander-in-Chief
 Legislative LeaderLegislative Leader
 Judicial LeaderJudicial Leader
 Chief of StateChief of State
 Foreign Policy MakerForeign Policy Maker
POWERS OF THE PRESIDENTPOWERS OF THE PRESIDENT
 Enforce laws passed byEnforce laws passed by
CongressCongress
 Send troops into battleSend troops into battle
 Enter into TreatiesEnter into Treaties
 Appoint Federal JudgesAppoint Federal Judges
 Appoint AmbassadorsAppoint Ambassadors
 Grant Pardons - ReprievesGrant Pardons - Reprieves

ARTICLE III: JUDICIAL BRANCHARTICLE III: JUDICIAL BRANCH
SUPREME COURT – PURPOSE – INTERPRET THE LAWSUPREME COURT – PURPOSE – INTERPRET THE LAW
Section 1Section 1: Supreme Court & Creating Lower Courts
Section 2: Powers of the Supreme Court (Types of Cases)
Section 3: Treason & Punishment for Treason

ARTICLE III: JUDICIAL BRANCHARTICLE III: JUDICIAL BRANCH
SUPREME COURT – PURPOSE – INTERPRET THE LAWSUPREME COURT – PURPOSE – INTERPRET THE LAW
SUPREME COURTSUPREME COURT
 9 Justices – Appointed by the President9 Justices – Appointed by the President
 Justices serve life terms.Justices serve life terms.
 Supreme Court oversees actions of Congress and the President.Supreme Court oversees actions of Congress and the President.
Court uses the Constitution to make sure government actionsCourt uses the Constitution to make sure government actions
are Constitutional.are Constitutional.

ARTICLE IV: RELATIONS AMONG THE STATESARTICLE IV: RELATIONS AMONG THE STATES
This article establishes what the states agree to do for oneThis article establishes what the states agree to do for one
another, and what the federal government will provide to eachanother, and what the federal government will provide to each
state.state.
STATE to STATESTATE to STATE
 Respect laws, contracts,Respect laws, contracts,
etc.. Full Faith & Creditetc.. Full Faith & Credit
 Extradition – send criminal toExtradition – send criminal to
stand trial in other states.stand trial in other states.
FEDERAL to STATEFEDERAL to STATE
 Rules for admitting newRules for admitting new
states to the Unionstates to the Union
 Republican form ofRepublican form of
GovernmentGovernment
 Protect against invasionProtect against invasion

ARTICLE V: AMENDMENTSARTICLE V: AMENDMENTS
PROCESS BY WHICH CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO THEPROCESS BY WHICH CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO THE
CONSTITUTIONCONSTITUTION
PROPOSALPROPOSAL
 Amendments to theAmendments to the
Constitution must beConstitution must be
approved by 2/3 of bothapproved by 2/3 of both
houses of Congress to behouses of Congress to be
proposedproposed
(or)(or)
 2/3 of the states call for a2/3 of the states call for a
national convention for thenational convention for the
proposal of an amendmentproposal of an amendment
RATIFICATIONRATIFICATION
 Amendments must be ratifiedAmendments must be ratified
by ¾ of the Stateby ¾ of the State
LegislaturesLegislatures

ARTICLE VI: SUPREMACY OFARTICLE VI: SUPREMACY OF
NATIONAL LAWNATIONAL LAW
1.1. All debts contracted under the Articles ofAll debts contracted under the Articles of
Confederation will be honored by US GovernmentConfederation will be honored by US Government
2.2. US Constitution, Federal Law, and Treaties are theUS Constitution, Federal Law, and Treaties are the
Supreme Law of the Land (Supremacy Clause)Supreme Law of the Land (Supremacy Clause)
3.3. All Federal Public Officials will take an oath toAll Federal Public Officials will take an oath to
protect and support the Constitutionprotect and support the Constitution
>>

ARTICLE VII: RATIFICATIONARTICLE VII: RATIFICATION
 For the Constitution to go into effect, it had to beFor the Constitution to go into effect, it had to be
ratified, approved by 9 of 13 states.ratified, approved by 9 of 13 states.
RATIFICATIONRATIFICATION
9 of 13 STATES9 of 13 STATES

The Bill of RightsThe Bill of Rights
 Amendment 1Amendment 1 – Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, Petition, &– Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, Petition, &
AssemblyAssembly
 Amendment 2Amendment 2 – Right to Bear Arms– Right to Bear Arms
 Amendment 3Amendment 3 – Quartering of Soldiers– Quartering of Soldiers
 Amendment 4Amendment 4 – Search & Seizure– Search & Seizure
 Amendment 5Amendment 5 – Rights of the Accused– Rights of the Accused
 Amendment 6Amendment 6 – Requirements for a Jury Trial– Requirements for a Jury Trial
 Amendment 7Amendment 7 – Rules of Common Law– Rules of Common Law
 Amendment 8Amendment 8 – Limits on Criminal Punishment– Limits on Criminal Punishment
 Amendment 9Amendment 9 – Rights Kept by the People– Rights Kept by the People
 Amendment 10Amendment 10 – Powers of the States and the People– Powers of the States and the People

Amendments 11-19Amendments 11-19
 Amendment 11Amendment 11 – Suits Against States– Suits Against States
 Amendment 12Amendment 12 – Presidential Election Method– Presidential Election Method
 Amendment 13Amendment 13 – Slavery Abolished– Slavery Abolished
 Amendment 14Amendment 14 – Civil Rights Guaranteed– Civil Rights Guaranteed
 Amendment 15Amendment 15 – Black voting Rights– Black voting Rights
 Amendment 16Amendment 16 – Income Tax– Income Tax
 Amendment 17Amendment 17 – Direct Election of Senators– Direct Election of Senators
 Amendment 18Amendment 18 – Prohibition– Prohibition
 Amendment 19Amendment 19 – Women’s Voting Rights– Women’s Voting Rights

Amendments 20-27Amendments 20-27
 Amendment 20Amendment 20 – Terms of Office and Presidential Succession– Terms of Office and Presidential Succession
 Amendment 21Amendment 21 – Repeal of Prohibition– Repeal of Prohibition
 Amendment 22Amendment 22 – Limits on Presidential Terms– Limits on Presidential Terms
 Amendment 23Amendment 23 – Electors for the District of Columbia– Electors for the District of Columbia
 Amendment 24Amendment 24 – Abolition of Poll Tax– Abolition of Poll Tax
 Amendment 25Amendment 25 – Presidential Disability– Presidential Disability
 Amendment 26Amendment 26 – Voting Age– Voting Age
 Amendment 27Amendment 27 – Congressional Pay– Congressional Pay

American Democracy Principles Explained

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American Democracy Principles Explained