12.G1 - Foundations of American Democracy
From EngageNY
FOUNDATIONS of AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: The principles of American democracy are reflected in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and in the organization and actions of federal, state, and local government entities. The interpretation and application of American democratic principles continue to evolve and be debated.12.G1a Enlightenment ideas such as natural rights, the social contract, popular sovereignty, and representative government greatly influenced the framers of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
12.G1b The Constitution created a unique political system that distributes powers and responsibilities among three different branches of government at the federal level and between state and federal governments. State constitutions address similar structures and responsibilities for their localities.
12.G1c Limited government is achieved through the separation of powers between three different branches. The system of checks and balances is part of this limited government structure at all levels of government.
12.G1d The rule of law is a system in which no one, including government, is above the law. The United States legal system has evolved over time as the result of implementation and interpretation of common law, constitutional law, statutory law, and administrative regulations.
12.G1e The powers not delegated specifically in the Constitution are reserved to the states. Though the power and responsibility of the federal government have expanded over time, there is an ongoing debate over this shift in power and responsibility.
12.G1f The Constitution includes a clearly defined and intentionally rigorous process for amendment. This process requires state and federal participation and allows the Constitution to evolve and change.
Supporting Materials
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The United States Constitution & Bill of RightsLearn the facts about the documents that make America great! United States Constitution |
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U.S. Constitution, Vol. 1: The Seeds of the Constitution; Founding the ConstitutionThis 8-part series explores how The U.S. Constitution came to be. Program 1: The Seeds of the Constitution1619 Virginia Colonists Create the First Legislative Assembly1733 Parliament Restricts Free Trade Through the Molasses Act1735 The Peter Zenger Trial Lays the Seed for Freedom... |
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U.S. Constitution, Vol. 2: Writing the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; Testing the ConstitutionThis 8-part series explores how The U.S. Constitution came to be. |
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U.S. Constitution, Vol. 3: The Constitution Survives; The Constitution is ExpandedThis 8-part series explores how The U.S. Constitution came to be. Program 5: The Constitution Survives1810 Marshall Establishes the Sanctity of Contracts1828 Jacksonian Democracy and the Constitution1848 Mexican American War and Manifest Destiny Set up America's Greatest Constitutional... |
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U.S. Constitution, Vol. 4: The Constitution in a Changing World; Constitutional Reform and ControversyThis 8-part series explores how The U.S. Constitution came to be. Program 7: The Constitution in a Changing World1919 - The Supreme Court Limits Free Speech and Freedom of the Press in Schenck v. U.S.1920 Women Gain the Right to Vote Through the 19th Amendment1933 20th and 21st New Deal... |
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