Early America Flashcards
Eras
periods of time that are grouped together because of political, economic, or social trends are called eras
The Declaration of Independence
- 1776
- Unalienable- rights not stated but can’t be taken away
- foreign countries recognized the U.S as independent from Britain
- Thomas Jefferson
U.S Constitution
- Outlines responsibilities and functions of the gov.
- limits the power of the gov. using Separation of Powers + Checks and Balances
- Separation of Powers- power is divided between 3 branches of gov. (legislative, Judicial, and Executive)
- Checks and balances- each branch has some power over the other two branches
Articles of Confederation
states ran almost independently the way they wanted to (before constitution)
Bill of rights
- Firsts ten amendments to ensure our rights were protected from the gov.
1st amendment
freedom of religion , assembly, press, petition, and speech
2nd amendment
right to bear arms
3rd amendment
right to not quarter soldiers
4th amendment
no unreasonable search or seizure
5th amendment
right to due process, eminent domain, Miranda rights (legal rights of an arrested person to have an attorney and to refuse to answer questions)
6th amendment
right to a jury in criminal cases
7th amendment
right to a jury in most civil cases
8th amendment
no cruel or unusual punishment
9th amendment
citizens have more rights than listed
10th amendment
rights not given to the federal gov. are given to the states (states rights)
Alexis de Tocqueville
- political scientist
- observed 5 values of Americans in the early 1800s
- liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism, laissez-faire
liberty
liberty> gov. that controls its citizens
egalitarianism
socially equal
individualism
took the initiative to create a life they wanted not relying on the gov. (not too popular today)
populism
various backgrounds could participate in gov. not just the elite
laissez-faire
no gov. involvement in Americans economic lives
American identity
- E Pluribus Unum
- In God we trust
E pluribus Unum
“out of many comes one”= unity of a\Americans despite our differences (The Great Seal=symbol of sovereignty)
In God We Trust
Our need for God to guide our country
U.S Citizen
Birthright citizen- born in U.S or parents are born in the U.S
Naturalized citizen- live in U.S for at least 5 years
- be 18 years old
- understand U.S history and gov.
- swear allegiance to the constitution
Civic Responsibilities
- Vote in elections
- serve on a jury
- staying informed of issues
- lobbying for your beliefs
