The Preamble, Schoolhouse Rock

Transcription

1 The Preamble, Schoolhouse Rock Hey, do you know about the U.S.A.? Do you know about the government? Can you tell me about the Constitution? Hey, learn about the U.S.A. In 1787 I'm told Our founding fathers did agree To write a list of principles For keepin' people free. The U.S.A. was just startin' out. A whole brand-new country. And so our people spelled it out The things that we should be. And they put those principles down on paper and called it the Constitution, and it's been helping us run our country ever since then. The first part of the Constitution is called the preamble and tells what those founding fathers set out to do. We the people, In order to form a more perfect union, Establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, Provide for the common defense, 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. In 1787 I'm told Our founding fathers all sat down And wrote a list of principles That's known the world around. The U.S.A. was just starting out A whole brand-new country. And so our people spelled it out They wanted a land of liberty. And the Preamble goes like this: We the people...

2 Monday, February 13 th Midterm #1: February 14th 17th Tuesday, February 14 th, Wednesday, February 15th (NO FEE) Thursday, February 16th -- $5 late fee Friday, February 17th -- $7 late fee must have the test in hand by 11:00 am Review Room is closed February 14th 17th for the week of the Midterm. Review Room will be opened again on Monday, February 20 th to review the exam. Film: A More Perfect Union Wednesday, February 15th and Thursday, February 5:00 and 7:30 pm in 140 JSB

3 The American Constitution Day 1

4 Problems with the Articles of Confederation, Weak government lacked power No ability to tax No supreme judiciary Inefficient structure Unanimity required for amendment 9/13 rule privileged obstructive minorities No sovereignty over states Competed with them in foreign policy, trade Seaport states gouged landlocked states

5 So long as any individual state has power to defeat the measures of the other twelve, our pretended union is but a name and our confederation a cobweb. Noah Webster, 1785

6 Problems with voluntary compliance States have different interests and unequal stakes in complying with Federal policy State politicians would criticize Federal government to be popular States would be reluctant to comply, fearing other states would not

7 Results of national weakness Newburgh Conspiracy, 1783 Shays s Rebellion,

8 States vs National Government States protective of their own authority United Colonies of New England, 1643 Albany Plan of Union, 1754

9 Political Cartoon on the Albany Plan of Union

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11 An ongoing challenge: State vs Federal government Example: Little Rock

12 Danger of Continuous Revolution Shays s Rebellion, I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, 30 January 1787

13 A Contrasting Rebellion under Federal Government The Whiskey Rebellion, 1794

14 Creating the Constitution You and I, my dear Friend, have been sent into life, at a time when the greatest law-givers of antiquity would have wished to have lived. How few of the human race have ever enjoyed an opportunity of making an election of government more than of air, soil, or climate, for themselves or their children. When! Before the present epocha, had three millions of people full power and a fair opportunity to form and establish the wisest and happiest government that human wisdom can contrive? -- John Adams, Thoughts on Government

15 Creating the Constitution: Interest vs Virtue Every man ought to be supposed a knave and to have no other end in all his actions but private interests. - David Hume If men were angels, no government would be necessary. - James Madison

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17 How avoid corruption? Classical Republicanism Virtuous leaders check corruption among the powerful Constitutional structure guards against corruption Separation of powers Checks and balances Potential negative: Factions Lockean Liberalism Individuals guard liberty, rights Potential negatives: Irresponsible individualism; rights talk divorced from responsibility