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 Documents A, B, and C, analyze how the principles expressed in the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence align with the different forms of government discussed in the outline. Compare how democratic principles, sovereignty, and limited government are supported by these founding documents.
The principles expressed in the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and The Federalist Papers reflect foundational ideas about democratic governance, sovereignty, and limited government. Each document contributes to the understanding and implementation of these principles in the American political system.
Democratic Principles:
Document A (U.S. Constitution, Preamble): The phrase "We the People" underscores the democratic principle of popular sovereignty, where the authority of the government is derived from the people. The goals outlined, such as establishing justice and promoting general welfare, reflect the intention to create a government that serves the interests of its citizens.
Document B (Declaration of Independence): This document emphasizes equality and the idea that governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed." This aligns with democratic principles by asserting that legitimate government is based on the will and consent of the people, ensuring that their rights to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" are protected.
Document C (The Federalist Papers, No. 51): This paper discusses the necessity of a government that is both empowered to govern and constrained to prevent tyranny. It highlights the importance of checks and balances, a key democratic principle that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful, thus protecting individual freedoms.
Sovereignty:
Document A: The Constitution establishes a federal system where sovereignty is shared between the national and state governments. This balance is designed to ensure that power is not centralized, reflecting the principle of popular sovereignty by allowing different levels of government to address the needs of the people.
Document B: The Declaration of Independence asserts the sovereignty of the American colonies, declaring their right to self-governance free from British rule. This document lays the foundation for the idea that sovereignty resides with the people, who have the right to establish a government that reflects their collective will.
Document C: The Federalist Papers discuss the need for a strong but limited government that can effectively govern while respecting the sovereignty of the people. The emphasis on internal and external controls on government power supports the idea that sovereignty ultimately lies with the people, who must be protected from potential government overreach.
Limited Government:
Document A: The Constitution establishes a framework for limited government through the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances. By dividing government powers among different branches, it ensures that no single entity can dominate, thus protecting individual liberties.
Document B: The Declaration of Independence argues for a government that secures unalienable rights, implying that any government that fails to do so is illegitimate. This supports the concept of limited government, as it must be constrained to protect the rights of individuals.
Document C: The Federalist Papers highlight the necessity of a government that can control itself, emphasizing the importance of constitutional mechanisms to limit governmental power. This reflects the belief that a government must be strong enough to govern effectively but limited enough to prevent tyranny.
In summary, these documents collectively advocate for a government that is democratic, respects the sovereignty of the people, and is limited in its powers to protect individual rights. The U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence provide the philosophical and structural foundations for these principles, while The Federalist Papers offer a practical guide to implementing them within the framework of American governance.