Why do we need government?

What do you think life would be like without any government?

Would this be good? Why?

Would this be bad? Why?

What would life boil down to at its simplest form?

What would we all need to survive?

Philosophical InfluencesPhilosophical InfluencesA. Ideas of EnlightenmentA. Ideas of Enlightenment

– Derived on the scientific discoveries of the 1600s. Derived on the scientific discoveries of the 1600s. Also influenced by Also influenced by Glorious RevolutionGlorious Revolution..

– Thinkers believed that God created an orderly Thinkers believed that God created an orderly universe & laws could be discovered through use of universe & laws could be discovered through use of human reasonhuman reason

– Thinkers argued that laws which governed nature Thinkers argued that laws which governed nature also applied to human life & societyalso applied to human life & society

– Influential Enlightenment Thinkers:Influential Enlightenment Thinkers:• Thomas HobbesThomas Hobbes• John LockeJohn Locke• Jean-Jacques RousseauJean-Jacques Rousseau• Baron de MontesquieuBaron de Montesquieu

Natural Rights humans have rights in “nature”. Man created gov’t to protect these rights

What core basic natural rights do you think you have?

Who came up with this idea?

The only Rights in a State of Nature are our Natural Rights

Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)(1588-1679) – – English English PhilosopherPhilosopher– 1651 book 1651 book LeviathanLeviathan– Hobbes argues that the Hobbes argues that the natural statenatural state of man (without of man (without

any civil government) is warany civil government) is war– ““... the life of man solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and ... the life of man solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and

short. ... The condition of man ... is a condition of war short. ... The condition of man ... is a condition of war of everyone against everyone.”of everyone against everyone.”• man in the state of nature seeks nothing but his own selfish man in the state of nature seeks nothing but his own selfish

pleasurepleasure• individualism naturally leads to a war in which every man's hand individualism naturally leads to a war in which every man's hand

is against his neighboris against his neighbor• In pure self-interest and for self-preservation men entered into a In pure self-interest and for self-preservation men entered into a

compact [compact [social contractsocial contract] by which they agreed to surrender ] by which they agreed to surrender part of their natural freedom to an absolute ruler in order to part of their natural freedom to an absolute ruler in order to preserve the restpreserve the rest

• The State determines what is just and unjust, right and wrongThe State determines what is just and unjust, right and wrong

Thomas Hobbes• State of Nature – living without

government; anarchy

• champion of absolutism for the sovereign (king)

• developed the ideas of:– right of the individual– the natural equality of all men– Legitimate political power must be

"representative" and based on the consent of the people

– a liberal interpretation of law which leaves people free to do whatever the law does not explicitly forbid.

John Locke

• John Locke John Locke (1632-1704)- (1632-1704)- English WriterEnglish Writer– Argued that people were born free, equal, & Argued that people were born free, equal, &

independent & possess independent & possess Natural RightsNatural Rights• Second Treatise of GovernmentSecond Treatise of Government

– ““All mankind…being all equal and independent, no one ought All mankind…being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

– Believed Believed ifif gov’t tried to take away people’s gov’t tried to take away people’s natural rights, it was breaking the natural rights, it was breaking the Social Social ContractContract• Social Contract- Social Contract- an agreement among people in a an agreement among people in a

society to give up part of their freedom to a gov’t in society to give up part of their freedom to a gov’t in exchange for protection or natural rights. Agree to exchange for protection or natural rights. Agree to obey as long as it protects their rightsobey as long as it protects their rights

Natural Rights humans have rights in “nature”. Man created gov’t to protect these rights Life- right to live and be safe Liberty- “ “ be free of others controls, “ “ make own decisions, live as you please Property- “ “ to work , own land, tools, & $ to survive

John Locke

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Jean-Jacques RousseauJean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) (1712-1778)--French PhilosopherFrench Philosopher

– The Social Contract The Social Contract (published 1762)(published 1762)• ““man is born free, yet everywhere he is found in man is born free, yet everywhere he is found in

chains.”chains.”

– He was referring to large number of people in He was referring to large number of people in Europe living under oppressive governmentsEurope living under oppressive governments

– He argued that the people had the right to He argued that the people had the right to determine how they should be governeddetermine how they should be governed

Baron de Montesquieu

Baron de Montesquieu Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755)- (1689-1755)- French WriterFrench Writer

– Developed idea of dividing government into Developed idea of dividing government into branches to balance each other so that no one branches to balance each other so that no one part became too strong or threatened individual part became too strong or threatened individual rightsrights

– His ideas of His ideas of separation of powersseparation of powers, along with , along with Locke’s ideas on the Locke’s ideas on the social contract social contract and and natural natural rightsrights, became cornerstones of the , became cornerstones of the Declaration of Declaration of Independence Independence & the & the U.S. ConstitutionU.S. Constitution..

Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab• constitution

A plan of government that sets forth the structures and powers of government. In democracies, a constitution is an authoritative law through which the sovereign people authorize a government to be established and grant it certain powers.   

•constitutional government Limited government; the rule of law. A form of government in which a written, unwritten, or partly written constitution serves as a higher or fundamental law that everyone, including those in power, must obey. The rule of law is an essential feature of constitutional government.   

Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab•

democracy Literally defined as "rule of the people," democracy is a form of government in which all citizens exercise political power, either directly or through their elected representatives. See also representative democracy   

limited government In natural rights philosophy, a system restricted to protecting natural rights that does not interfere with other aspects of life. More generally, limited government is constitutional government governed by the rule of law. Written or unwritten constitutions are used to empower and limit government.  

Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab• Parliament

The British legislature, which consists of two houses: the House of Lords, which once represented the nobility, and the House of Commons, which formally represents the common people. Most members of the House of Lords are appointed for life by the government of the day and are not members of the hereditary aristocracy, who once dominated it.  

•republic According to James Madison, a form of government that derives its powers directly or indirectly from the people, is administered by officials holding power for a limited time, and incorporates representative institutions.   

Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab• Parliament

The British legislature, which consists of two houses: the House of Lords, which once represented the nobility, and the House of Commons, which formally represents the common people. Most members of the House of Lords are appointed for life by the government of the day and are not members of the hereditary aristocracy, who once dominated it.    republic According to James Madison, a form of government that derives its powers directly or indirectly from the people, is administered by officials holding power for a limited time, and incorporates representative institutions.   

Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab

• unwritten constitution The body of political practices developed through custom and tradition. Only three of the world's major democracies have constitutions that are not single, written documents: Britain, Israel, and New Zealand. In each of these nations, the constitution is a combination of written laws and precedents.   

written constitution A written plan of government that sets forth the structures and powers of government. See constitution   

What are the philosophical and historical foundations of the American Political System?

We will address this question later.

What did the founders think about constitutional government? P.3

What were some characteristics of Colonial America? P.4

How did the founders learn about government? P.5

What did the founders learn about government? P. 5

What forms of government could the founders choose from? P. 6-7

What is a constitution? P. 8-9

How did the founders characterize higher law? P.9

What kinds of government may be constitutional governments? P.10

Now, back to the Lesson question.

What are the philosophical and historical foundations of the American Political System?

How gov’t secures our natural rights

How does gov’t secure our natural rights?

Limited Government (p.8) – those who govern (rule/lead) have restraints (limits) such as laws and free elections

Unlimited Government- those who govern are free to use their power as they choose as they are not restrained by law

Ex. Tyranny, Dictatorship, totalitarianism

How gov’t secures our natural rights

Constitution- a set of customs, traditions, rules and laws that set the basic way a government is organized and operates.

Constitutional Government- the powers of the government are limited by a constitution (written or not). Those in power have to follow the laws too!!

How gov’t secures our natural rights

• Can an Constitutional Gov’t be unlimited?

Constitutional gov’t protects natural rights

How does a constitutional government protect our natural

rights?

Constitutional gov’t protects natural rights

1. It established limits on the power of the government to prevent it from violating natural rights

2. It states that the government should be organized and its power distributed in such a way as to increase the possibility that those limitations will be effective

Constitutional gov’t protects natural rights

Separation of Power- 3 branches each have a specific job- Judicial, Executive and Legislative

Checks and Balances – power is spread out between the branches so that no one branch is able to control the others

8A

Articles of Confederation

What were the major issues with our first constitution, the Articles of Confederation?

8B

Articles of Confederation 1. Pinkie Finger ( pink) is the smallest and weakest figure = weak

central government – 9 out of 13 states need to vote on new laws and even then could not enforce any of its laws

2. Ring Finger (yellow) has no ring, so this mean it has no money. Congress could not tax, only ask for money

3. Middle Finger (red) is used when people argue, argument happens because of unenforceable trade agreements.

4. Index Finger (brown) is pointed at people often when singled out in a threatening way. Threats to citizens rights to property (like land, which has brown trees and dirt)

5. Thumb (orange) – thumbs down shows feeling of unhappiness / orange the color of jealousy - Unfair competition / poor opinions between the states (people see themselves as from their state first, and America second)

6. Close all the fingers and you make a fist – grey – gray is the color of the smoke make from black power – Shay's Rebellion

Articles of Confederation Read pp. 56-58 and write down more information about these topics

8C

1. Weak Central Government (# 2 in book on page 57) Congress could not force states / citizens to follow the laws. US gov’t could not enforce treaties by making states pay for or give back land to loyalist

2. No Money (# 1 in book on page 57) Congress could not tax the states / people, could only ask for money.

3. Unenforceable trade agreements (# 3) Congress could not force states to follow treaties / trade agreements with other nations. Congress could not force states to pay for what they bought

4.Threats to citizens rights to property (# 5) In state legislatures, small groups gained power and took away the rights of others, even their property.

8DArticles of Confederation

5. Unfair competition between the states (# 4 on page 58) states pass laws that on goods that cross state lines. This prevented efficient trade across state lines. Congress was powerless to stop this practice.

6. Shay’s Rebellion (p. 58) farmers are in debt because of taxes. Courts are going to foreclose on their farms, so farmers get their guns and take over the courthouse.

7.Northwest Ordinance – the one thing that worked! (p. 59) creates a plan for 5 new states. Slavery is never allowed here. All new states are equal to the original 13.

Framers of the U.S. Constitution

• Who was at the Constitution Convention?

• Who would you think would be there that were not?

9A

Framers of the U.S. Constitution• Constitutional Convention (a.k.a. The Philadelphia Convention)• 55 white men• Referred to by historian James McGregor as, “the well bred, well

fed, the well read and the well wed.” i.e. generally from high society, but not always there because of ability

Notable Absences:• Thomas Jefferson – US ambassador to France• John Adams – US ambassador to Britain (great loss because he

had framed the Mass Constitution and had written on the idea of constitutional government for the US)

• The state of Rhode Island sent no representativesReason for meeting

Trying to fix Articles of Confederation, but saw it was to messed up and choose to start all over

9B

Framers of the U.S. Constitution

George Washington-

Alexander Hamilton-

Ben Franklin-

9C

Framers of the U.S. Constitution

James Madison-

George Mason-

Roger Sherman-

9D

Framers of the U.S. ConstitutionGeorge Washington- wanted strong national gov’t- not

interested in public office. Did not want to go, but felt he had to or the people would have no faith in the gov’t. Elected unanimously President of the Convention. His presence and support of the Constitution and the thought that he would be the first president were essential to the Constitutions ratification. Did not take part in the debates.

Alexander Hamilton- strong presence for strong central govt. Wrote the Federalist to help convents states to ratify the constitution.

Ben Franklin- 81 and in poor health. His presence lent an aura of wisdom to the convention

9C

Framers of the U.S. ConstitutionJames Madison- “Father of the Constitution” – Came to

convention with Virginia plan in hand – the basic framework with which the US Constitution was based on.

George Mason- wrote the Virginia Bill of Rights – wanted a Bill of Rights for the US Constitution.

Roger Sherman- Came up with the Great Compromise / Connecticut Compromise and saved the convention from ending in disaster.

9D

Virginia and New Jersey Plans

• What is the major similarities and differences between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans? Which plan is most like our gov’t today?

11A

Virginia and New Jersey Plans

Constitution Key TermsFederal System- a form of political organization in which

government power is divided between a national and state governments, with the national gov’t having more power than the states in most matters.

proportional representation- the number of people elected to government is based on the number of people in the state.

equal representation – the number of people elected to government is same for each states.

11B

Virginia and New Jersey PlansVIRGINIA PLAN

• Two Chamber (part) Legislature • Representation in Legislature based on

population and amount of money the states give the US

• Executive (President) has veto power over legislature.

• Judicial branch appointed by legislature• Citizens under the authority of two

governments, national and state

11C

Virginia and New Jersey PlansNEW JERSEY PLAN

• One Chamber Legislature• Representation equal among the states.

One state, one vote• Executive (President has no veto• Judicial branch chosen by executive • Citizens remain primarily under the authority

of state government

11D

Great Compromise / Connecticut Compromise

• What was the Great Compromise and who’s idea was it?

12A

Great Compromise / Connecticut Compromise

• House of Representatives: – Elected by the people, based on proportional

representation. – This favors the large states.

• Senate: – based on equal representation.– This favors the small states.

Executive- Veto and pick judicial branch

12B

69-70

Other important compromise

\

13A

Other important compromise Slavery Issues

3/5 Compromise3 out of every 5 slaves count as 1 citizen = more

congressmen for the south

20 year banCongress can’t stop slaves from being shipped into the US

for 20 years

Fugitive Slave clauseUS law runaway slaves if found in other states must be

returned to their owners

TradeCongress can control commerce (business) between the states

13B

Powers and Limits of the National Government

• What kind of powers does the US government have?

• What kind of limits does the US government have?

14A

The Preamble

What does the Preamble mean?

14A

The Preamble

Preamble- a intro statement that explains what the document is about.

14B

Quiz II – Constitutional Convention15B

Powers and Limits of the National Government

In your opinion, what is the greatest thing that the US government does for us? What is the one thing that your are most grateful that they can’t do?

Rank the 2 most important Powers and explain whyRank the 2 most important Limits and explain why

16A

Powers and Limits of the National Government

POWERS• Supremacy Clause – The US Constitution is the

supreme law of the land. If federal and state laws go against each other, then the federal laws wins.

• Congress has the power to make new states• Gov’t needs to protect the states from invasion• Each state gets a republican form of government –

each state gets to vote for their leaders.

16B

Powers and Limits of the National Government

LIMITS• Can’t take away right to know why you are in jail

(except in emergencies) • Can’t make something a crime and punish

someone for it after they did it back when it was legal

• Congress can’t pass a law making someone guilty of a crime

• Can’t take money from US without permission• Can’t tax things made in states and sold out of

state• Grant titles of nobility (sirs, dukes, lords, etc

16B

Powers of the Legislative Branch• Make the lawsThese are the enumerated – specifically listed –

powers of congress• Issue and collect taxes• Pay the nations debts• Provide for the defense of the nation• Provide for the general welfare of the nation• Regulate commerce with foreign nations and the

states

17B

Powers of the Legislative Branch• Declare War• Raise an army and navy• Coin / print money• Impeach (to charge a public official with a crime in

office for which they can be removed from power) Executive, Judicial or other Legislative officials– House calls for Impeachment– Senate acts as Jury: decides guilt or innocence

17B

HOUSE OF REPRESENATATIVES

• Requirements: 25 yrs old, US citizen 7 yrs, citizen of state elected from

• Term: 2 Years• Responsibilities: Make the laws / impeach /

Declare war / over ride presidents veto with 2/3 votes

• Speaker of the House – Leader, currently Nancy Pelosi – 2nd in line to be President – elected by other congressmen to be Speaker

• 435 members of the House - called Congressmen / Congresswomen

18 B

HOUSE OF REPRESENATATIVES

OUR CONGRESSMEN TODAY!• 1 NH Congressional District: (D) Carol

Shea-Porter• 2 NH Congressional District: (D) Paul

Hodes

• Committees – meet in smaller committees (groups) to discuss problems

• US Capital / Capital Hill

18 B

SENATE19 A

SENATE19 B

• Legislative Branch • Requirements: 30 yrs. Old, US Citizen for 9

years, a citizen of the state you run in. • Term: 6 years (3 classes) • Responsibilities: Make Laws / Declare War /

approve treaties / jury during impeachment trials / override veto with 2/3 vote / filibuster – senators can talk for ever to kill a bill / approve judges and cabinet positions / approves treaties

• 2 from each state = 100• Senator

SENATE19 B

• President of the Senate: Vice of the United States = Joe Biden (D)

• President Pro Tempore: Daniel Inouye (D)

3rd in line to be president

• NH Senators: Judd Gregg (R) / Jeanne Shahenn (D)

• Meet at US Capital / Capital Hill

EXECUTIVE BRANCH 20 A

EXECUTIVE BRANCH 20 B

• Requirements: 35 yrs old, 14 years resident of the US / natural born US Citizen

• Term: 4 years / or 2 terms / or 10 years (2 terms elected on own after finishing 2 years after being V.P.

• President of the US / Vice President • Responsibilities: Commander-in-Chief (runs the

military) / veto laws / Enforces the Laws / pardon criminals / appoints judges and cabinet positions / creates treaties

1 Vice President Joe Biden (D)

2 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

3 President pro tempore of the Senate Robert Byrd

4 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

5 Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner

6 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (R)

7 Attorney General Eric Holder

Presidential Order of succession

8 Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar

9 Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack

10 Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke

11 Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis

12 Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius

13 Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Shaun Donovan

14 Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood (R)

15 Secretary of Energy Steven Chu (I)

16 Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

17 Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki (I)

18 Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano

POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Executive Powers

• Carrying out and enforcing the laws made by Congress

• Nominating people for federal jobs• Negotiate treaties with other

nations• Conducting war

• Pardon people convinced of crimes

• Send and receive ambassadors

Powers shared with Legislative

• Veto- can veto laws passed by congress

• Appointments- can nominate people to executive and judicial jobs, senate must approve them.

• Treaties – can negotiate treaties, but 2/3 of senate must approve

• War – can wage war, only congress can declare war

21 B

ELECTRAL COLLEGE 22 B

• Meet once every 4 years, elect president, then dissolve

• Members of electoral college are called electors • Same number for each electors for each state as

the number of people they have in congress (House and Senate plus 3 for D.C.) = 538

• 270 electoral votes to be elected president • If no one gets the 270, the House of Reps. picks

the president

POWERS OF THE JUDICAL BRANCH

23 A

• What is the purpose of the Judicial Branch?

JUDICAL BRANCH 23 B

• Supreme Court Building

• Lower Federal Courts: US Court of Appeals / US District Courts

• War – do nothing

JUDICAL BRANCH 23 B

• Requirements: No age requirement / no citizenship requirement / no education or law requirement

• Term: Unlimited term of office unless impeached, death or resign

• Responsibilities: Find what laws are constitutional or not (Judicial Review), judges during impeachment trials

• Justices – 9• Chief Justice – John Roberts• Associate Justices : 8

POWERS OF THE JUDICAL BRANCH

20 B

• Block 4 –read pp 77-79: students needed to take notes on the things that would help answer question on 25A