Document A: Excerpt from the U.S. Constitution (Preamble) "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Document B: Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... Document C: The Federalist Papers, No. 51 "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: vou must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself."
Using Document A, describe how the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution aligns with the four characteristics of a state (population, territory, sovereignty, government). Based on Document C, explain how the separation of powers within the U.S. government prevents tyranny, as discussed in The Federalist Papers. From the perspective of Document B, how does the Declaration's statement on "unalienable rights" support the concept of a limited government? How does Document A’s commitment to “establishing justice” reflect the principles of representative government?
Using Document A, describe how the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution aligns with the four characteristics of a state (population, territory, sovereignty, government).
Population: The phrase "We the People of the United States" acknowledges the population as the foundation of the state. It emphasizes that the Constitution is established by and for the people, highlighting their role in forming the government.
Territory: While the Preamble does not explicitly mention territory, the reference to the "United States of America" implies a defined geographical area over which the Constitution and its government have authority.
Sovereignty: The Preamble's intent to "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" reflects the concept of sovereignty, as it underscores the people's authority to govern themselves and establish a government that serves their interests.
Government: The Preamble outlines the purpose of establishing a government by stating objectives such as forming a "more perfect Union," establishing "Justice," and providing for the "common defence." These goals illustrate the functions and responsibilities of a government.
Based on Document C, explain how the separation of powers within the U.S. government prevents tyranny, as discussed in The Federalist Papers.
The Federalist Papers No. 51 discusses the necessity of separating powers to prevent tyranny by ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. By dividing the government into distinct branches (legislative, executive, and judicial), each with its own responsibilities and powers, the system creates a series of checks and balances. This structure obliges the government to control itself, as each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others, preventing any one branch from dominating the government or infringing on individual liberties.
From the perspective of Document B, how does the Declaration's statement on "unalienable rights" support the concept of a limited government?
The Declaration of Independence asserts that individuals possess "unalienable Rights" such as "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness," which are inherent and cannot be taken away. This principle supports the concept of a limited government by emphasizing that the government's primary role is to protect these rights. Governments derive their "just powers from the consent of the governed," meaning that their authority is limited to what the people have consented to. This ensures that the government cannot overstep its bounds and infringe upon the fundamental rights of individuals.
How does Document A’s commitment to “establishing justice” reflect the principles of representative government?
The Preamble's commitment to "establishing Justice" reflects the principles of representative government by emphasizing the need for a fair and impartial legal system that serves the people. In a representative government, elected officials are accountable to the populace and are responsible for creating and enforcing laws that reflect the will and needs of the citizens. By prioritizing justice, the Constitution ensures that the government acts in the best interests of the people, maintaining fairness and equality under the law, which are essential components of a representative democracy.