Principles of American Democracy

The United States is a **republic** — a constitutional, federal republic and a representative democracy. Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf. **The Supreme Law of the Land** The **U.S. Constitution** is the supreme law of the land. Written in 1787 and ratified in 1788, it is the foundation of American government. Any law or government action that conflicts with the Constitution is invalid. The Constitution does several important things: • Forms the government • Defines the powers of government • Defines the parts of government • Protects the rights of the people **"We the People"** The Constitution begins with the words *"We the People of the United States."* This phrase expresses the idea of **self-government** and **popular sovereignty** — the principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed, and that people should govern themselves. **The Declaration of Independence** Before the Constitution, the **Declaration of Independence** (1776) declared that the American colonies were free from British control. Written primarily by **Thomas Jefferson**, it contains the famous words: *"Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."* It declares that all people are created equal and identifies inherent rights and individual freedoms. The Declaration was adopted on **July 4, 1776** — now celebrated as Independence Day. **The Bill of Rights** The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the **Bill of Rights**. They protect the basic rights and freedoms of Americans and all people living in the United States, including: • Freedom of religion • Freedom of speech and the press • Freedom of peaceful assembly • Freedom to petition the government • The right to bear arms • Protection from unreasonable search and seizure • The right to a fair and speedy trial **Amendments** The Constitution can be changed through **amendments**. There are currently **27 amendments**. The amendment process requires approval by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states — making change possible but deliberate. **The Rule of Law** One of America's most important principles is the **rule of law**: everyone — citizens, leaders and the government itself — must follow and obey the law. No one is above the law. **The Economic System** The United States has a **free market economy** (capitalism) — one based on private ownership, free enterprise and market competition. This system helped make the United States one of the world's largest and most prosperous economies. **Three Branches — Why?** There are three branches of government so that **no single branch becomes too powerful**. This system of **checks and balances** and **separation of powers** protects the freedoms of Americans. Each branch can check the power of the others. **Documents That Influenced the Constitution** Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution: • The Declaration of Independence • The Articles of Confederation (the first governing document) • The Federalist Papers (essays arguing for the Constitution) • The Virginia Declaration of Rights • The Mayflower Compact • The Iroquois Great Law of Peace