Download Slide 1: Gateways to American Democracy

Gateways to American Democracy ALM Voiceover Script
Slide 1: Gateways to American Democracy
In this animated learning module we will learn about the American constitutional system.
Slide 2: Democracy
The American constitutional system is often described as a democracy. A democracy is rule by
the people, or self-government. In a democracy, the citizens hold political authority, and they
develop the means to govern themselves. In practice, that means rule by the majority; however,
the system most resembles a republic, a representative democracy. You see, in a true
democracy, citizens make the decisions about policies, whereas in a republic, citizens select
representatives to make policy decisions for them. The Founding Fathers were wary of a true
democratic system because the passions of the people could run wild. Cooler heads would
prevail if there were elected representatives to make decisions.
Slide 3: The Constitution
The Constitution is the foundation of our political system of government because it establishes
the structure of the government. For example, it provides for three branches of government, the
legislative, executive, and judicial. The Constitution also grants power to the government. For
example, the legislative branch has the power to make law and the executive branch has the
power to enforce law. Because the Founding Fathers and framers of the Constitution were
concerned about the government having too much power, limits were established, such as the
system of checks and balances among the branches. Later, the Bill of Rights was added to
further limit the power of government. The Constitution intentionally limits the power of
government in order to protect our natural rights. Without the Constitution, there would be no
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written rules to follow. The rules would be made up by those in power for their own benefit.
Now, let’s take a brief look at the three branches.
Slide 4: Legislative Branch: Makes Law
The legislative branch is called Congress and has features such as:
A bicameral structure, dividing power between the House and the Senate
Frequent elections; House members serve two years and Senators serve six years
Enumerated powers, or a list of specific powers
The power to declare war (which the president does not have)
The power of the purse, which means the power to tax, borrow and spend money
Slide 5: Executive Branch: Enforces Law
The executive branch is identified with the president and has features such as:
The president’s ability to propose, sign, and veto law
The president is the Commander in Chief with the power to wage war
The president is Head of State, representing the country at home and abroad
The president appoints executives and judges
The president has the power to pardon offenses against the US (except for impeachment)
Slide 6: Judicial Branch: Interprets Law
The judicial branch is often referred to as the Courts and has features such as:
Justices and judges are appointed for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate
Through judicial review these justices and judges determine the constitutionality of the acts of
Congress and the president
Slide 7: Federalism: Two layers of government
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In addition to establishing the branches of the national government, the US Constitution creates a
federal system of government. That means there are two layers of government, state government
and national government over the states. Article Six says the national government is supreme
and Article Four says there has to be comity, or reciprocity among the states. In other words, the
states have to get along with each other. The two clauses in Article Four that deal with this
mandate are the Privileges and Immunities clause, and the Full Faith and Credit Clause.
Slide 8: Liberty and Order
In order to secure our freedom, government must have the power to protect us from those who
would do us harm. In other words, order is the first and most fundamental purpose of
government. However, that very power to maintain order can be used against us if we do not
limit the government.
Slide 9: American Political Culture
Thomas Jefferson shed light on the necessity of limiting government in the Declaration of
Independence where it says, “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.” However, “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.” Therefore, government is necessary, but dangerous.
The American political culture is a product of the ideals, values, and beliefs Americans have
about the proper role of government, and the Declaration of Independence holds a special place
in our culture as a founding document because it articulates these beliefs.
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Slide 10: Balance
The concern over the proper role of government leaves us with the need to strike a balance
between liberty and order to secure our future. Too much liberty leads to chaos. Too much order
leads to tyranny.
Slide11: The Demands of Democratic Citizenship
An informed and active populace is required to make this constitutional system work well. We
must know the Constitution, our rights, our elected and unelected officials, and how the system
operates if we want to live free.
Being informed and knowledgeable means paying attention to current events and learning about
the system through formal education.
Being active means voting and participating in other ways such as joining groups and educating
others.
All in all, our constitutional system has served us well and will continue to do so if you do your
part.
Slide 12: Critical Thinking Questions
1. What does it mean to have a democracy?
2. What does it mean to have a republic?
3. What is the function of a constitution?
4. Why must there be a balance between liberty and order?
5. What shapes our political culture?
6. What is required to secure our blessings of liberty?
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