Foundational Documents
What is a Foundational Document?
A written document that establishes important ideas that help shape a government
What are natural rights?
The basic rights that the government should respect, given to regardless of Race, gender, Ect.
What is the constitution?
The constitution is the central framework for the U.S. federal government
What is the main goal of checks and balances?
To prevent to much power in one place in our government
What is an amendment?
An amendment is a formal change or addition to the constitution
Name 1 example of a Foundational Document
Declaration Of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, ect.
What does Consent of Governed mean?
The Government gets it legitimacy from the people it governs
How many branches of the federal government does the constitution have?
3
Which branch carries out laws?
The executive branch
Can the constitution be changed?
Yes, through the amendments
What do Foundational Documents do for the government (Hint: Use analogy!!!)
A Framework for how power and rights should work
What is "Social Contract?"
People and government have responsibilities to one another
What are the 3 branches of the Government called?
Judicial, Legislative, and Executive
Which branch interprets laws?
The judicial branch
Why is the amendment process difficult?
B/c constitution changes require broad agreement
What weak National Gov. did the U.S. use before the Constitution?
The Articles of Confederation
What does Separation of Powers mean?
Government power can be divided so one institution does not control everything
What does the constitution give institutions?
Specific powers & responsibilities
Which branch makes laws?
The legislative branch
Give one reason amendments have been used
To expand rights, change government rules, or respond to problems in the original system
What do Foundational Documents and Blueprints have in common?
A blueprint shows the plan/layout of how a house is going to be built, like how Foundational Documents give the Government framework for how power and rights should work
Why might people who feared unfair rules want the government powers divided and limited?
To prevent one person/group from having to much power and/or to protect peoples rights
Why is it important to question whose rights and perspectives were protected and whose were excluded when the constitution was made?
B/c the constitution protected some rights and perspectives while excluding others (Who had power and who didn't.)
How do checks and balances prevent to much power from forming in one place?
Each branch has its own separate powers, but each branch also has its own limits and can be checked by the other branches
How do the amendments allow the constitution to remain foundational while responding to new needs?
They allow the constitution to be formally changed so the government can respond to new needs while keeping the constitution as its foundation