1.1: The Foundation of American Democracy
Key Concepts:
- Rule of law: The government’s authority is derived from the law, which is supreme over all.
- Limited government: The government’s powers are restricted by the Constitution to protect individual rights.
- Separation of powers: The Constitution divides government into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) with independent powers to check and balance each other.
Figures:
- In 2021, 93% of Americans believed that rule of law is essential for a functioning democracy. (Pew Research Center)
- The U.S. government spends approximately $2 trillion annually on national defense. (Congressional Budget Office)
1.2: Federalism and the Division of Powers
Key Concepts:
- Federalism: The distribution of powers between the national government and the states.
- Dual sovereignty: Both the national and state governments have their own spheres of authority.
- Supremacy clause: The Constitution establishes the national government’s laws as supreme over state laws.
Figures:
- In 2020, state and local governments controlled over $6 trillion in spending. (National Governors Association)
- The federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over foreign affairs, military, and interstate commerce. (Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution)
1.3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Key Concepts:
- Civil liberties: Guarantees of individual freedoms protected from government encroachment.
- Civil rights: Protections that ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all citizens.
- Due process of law: The government must follow fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.
Figures:
- According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), there were over 10,000 arrests for nonviolent civil disobedience in 2022.
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. (Title VII)
Table 1: Bill of Rights
| Amendment | Content |
|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition |
| 2 | Right to bear arms |
| 3 | Prohibition against quartering soldiers in private homes |
| 4 | Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures |
| 5 | Right to due process and indictment by grand jury |
| 6 | Right to confront witnesses and obtain counsel |
| 7 | Right to trial by jury |
| 8 | Protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment |
| 9 | Unenumerated rights |
| 10 | Powers reserved to states and people |
Table 2: Key Features of Federalism
| National Government | State Governments | |
|---|---|---|
| Powers | Foreign affairs, military, interstate commerce | Education, infrastructure, public safety |
| Supremacy | Laws are supreme over state laws | Laws cannot conflict with national laws |
| Concurrent powers | Taxation, law enforcement | Education, healthcare |
Table 3: Civil Liberties vs. Civil Rights
| Civil Liberties | Civil Rights | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Protections against government encroachment | Guarantees of equal treatment and opportunities |
| Focus | Individual rights | Group rights |
| Examples | Freedom of speech, due process | Voting rights, affirmative action |
Table 4: Due Process of Law
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Notice | The government must provide notice of the charges against an individual. |
| Hearing | The individual has the right to a fair hearing before an impartial judge. |
| Representation | The individual has the right to be represented by an attorney. |
| Evidence | The government must present sufficient evidence to support its charges. |
| Proof | The individual must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. |
| Sentencing | The sentence imposed must be proportional to the crime committed. |
