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Philosophy of Constitution Student
Philosophy of Constitution Student
Philosophy of Constitution Student
Using important documents (e.g., Mayflower Compact, Iroquois Confederacy, Common Sense,
Declaration of Independence, Northwest Ordinance, Federalist Papers), describe the historical and
philosophical origins of constitutional government in the United States using the ideas of social compact,
limited government, natural rights, right of revolution, separation of powers, bicameralism, republicanism,
and popular participation in government. (C2)
We can use important documents to identify the historical and philosophical origins of
constitutional government in the United Sates. The ideas of Social compact, limited government,
natural rights, right of revolution, separation of powers, checks and balances, bicameralism,
republicanism (supreme power in the representatives), and popular participation in government
are embedded in the following documents: Mayflower Compact, Iroquois Confederacy, Common
Sense, Declaration of Independence, Northwest Ordinance, and Federalist Papers
Let’s take a closer look into the origins (beginnings) of our constitution!
• Description: British nobleman forced their ruler to sign and abide by the
constitution
• A free man shall not be amerced [punished] for a trivial offense except in
accordance with the degree of the offense, and for a grave offense he
shall be amerced in accordance with its gravity . . . ."
• IMAGINE: over 100 people, cut off from any government, with a rebellion
brewing. Only staunch determination would help the Pilgrims land and
establish their colony. If they didn't work as a group, they could all die in
the wilderness.
(________________________-RULE GOVERNMENT )
• Iroquois Constitution ~1722
• IMPACT #1:
• IMPACT #2:
• In the Iroquois system of government they have two sets of Confederate Lords:
Mohawk and Seneca Lords; Oneida and Cayuga Lords. Any questions will first be
passed through the Mohawk and Seneca Lords, and then it will be discussed by
the Oneida and Cayuga Lords.
• IMPACT #3:
• IMPACT:
• The Declaration of Independence (1776)
• 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... That whenever any
Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of
the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,
laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such
form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and
Happiness.
• IMPACT:
• IMPACT:
• IMPACT:
• IMPACT:
1. According to Hamilton, what are the main purposes of forming a Union under
the Constitution? Make a list in your own words.
2. Do the majority of Hamilton's purposes relate to domestic or to foreign affairs?
a. Government is necessary.
b. The people should elect government leaders who act like angels.
c. Elected government officials should be controlled by a system of
"checks and balances."
"If then the courts of justice are to be considered as the bulwarks of a limited
constitution against legislative encroachments, this consideration will afford a
strong argument for the permanent tenure of judicial offices, since nothing will
contribute so much as this to that independent spirit in the judges, which must
be essential to the faithful performance of so arduous a duty.
This independence of the judges is equally requisite to guard the constitution
and the rights of individuals from the effects of . . . designing men."
2. What does Hamilton mean when he says that an "independent spirit in the judges" is
essential for them to do their duty?
• Different men seek after happiness in different ways and by different means,
and so make for themselves different modes of life and forms of government.
o IMPACT: