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The Declaration of Independence
Introduction to American Politics (Pol 101)
University of Mississippi
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The Declaration of Independence:
- Written by Thomas Jefferson
- Jefferson heavily influenced by John Locke and social contract theory as well as idea of natural rights
- Laid out complaints against tyrant King and informed England the colonies were no longer part of England
Life after the Revolution:
Gains of freedom for white men, but not for everyone - Africans americans: slaves - Native americans: continued to lose land - Women: lost the ability to vote and also lost the previous limited opportunities to participate in politics
Articles of Confederation:
Confederation - Power retained by component organizations that delegate power to central government The Articles established a government
Problems:
- Weak congress due to need of votes from 9 states for anything to become law
- No executive
- No taxation power without states’ consent
- No authority to regulate commerce
Constitutional convention:
Convened in may 1787 in Philadelphia 55 delegates “an assembly of demigods” Idea to reform the Articles, but they knew early on they needed any entirely new government - Major debates over how much power the federal government should have
2 major competing plans: Virginia plan v new jersey plan
3 main Issues: - How strong of a central government - - Large states v. small states - (Great compromise) bicameral congress, state based legislature, based on population size - North v south - (3/5s compromise)
Fiver Key Principles:
Popular sovereignty Limited government Checks and balances Separation of powers Federalism
Three Key Powers:
Legislate: Make the laws
Administer: (judicial, president) Execute the law ( put them into place)
Adjudicate:interpret the laws ( court system)
Article 1: The Legislative Branch
- The body of government that makes laws
- Bicameral
- Representation over “pure democracy”
- Republic: electing people
- Powers: section 8 lays out specific powers
- Necessary and proper clause
- Coin and regulate money
- Control budget for military
- Declare war
- Collect taxes
- Makes laws
Important norms: compromise, dignity and good sportsmanship
Article II: The Executive Branch
- Responsible for executing the laws, putting them into effect
- concerns of the founders: wanted stability without tyranny
- What does the Constitution say?
- Possible Alternative: parliamentary system
Important norms: indepence, dignity, and unity Limited executive who could be removed from office and is bound by law
Article III: The Judicial Branch
- The power to interpret laws and judge whether a law has been broken
- The “least dangerous” branch: no power over military, money
The Declaration of Independence
Course: Introduction to American Politics (Pol 101)
University: University of Mississippi
