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Sovereignty
Sovereignty is classically defined as supreme legal authority. The concept was formulated by sixteenth century legal philosopher Jean Bodin and elaborated by many theorists since then. One basic controversy has been whether to trace supreme authority to the people or to a "divine right" of rulers. -
John Hancock
He was the first member of the Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence, the document first demanding independence for the United States from the rule of Great Britain -
John Jay
John Jay was an American statesman, Patriot, diplomat, a Founding Father of the United States, signer of the Treaty of Paris, and the first Chief Justice of the United States -
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Rush was a Founding Father of the United States -
Declaration of Independence
The document recording the proclamation of the second Continental Congress (4 July 1776) asserting the independence of the Colonies from Great Britain. -
Unalienable Rights
Life, liberty and property are rights which cant be taken away without Due Process of Law, which means pursuant to a court order. -
Constitutional Republic
A constitutional republic is a state where the head of state and other officials are representatives of the people and must govern according to existing constitutional law that limits the government's power over citizens. -
Branches of Government
-Executive branch:The executive branch of Government makes sure that the laws of the United States are obeyed.
-Legislative branch:The legislative branch of government is made up of the Congress and government agencies, such as the Government Printing Office and Library of Congress
-Judicial branch:Courts decide arguments about the meaning of laws, how they are applied, and whether they break the rules of the Constitution. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights enumerates freedoms not explicitly indicated in the main body of the Constitution, such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, a free press, and free assembly; the right to keep and bear arms; freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, security in personal effects -
Alexis de Tocqueville’s Five Values
- Liberty: Fredom from control, intefrence, obligation and restriction
- egalitarianism: A belief in human equality exspecially with respect to social, political and economic affairs
- individualism: A social theory advocating the liberty, rights, or independent action of the individual. Individualism- Hard work and labor are considered key to becoming successfulPopulism- All individuals are allowed an opinion and are able to voice itLaissez-faire- Hard work and money making lead to success
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Bicameral Congress
A system of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers, with an upper and lower house -
E Pluribus Unum
Thomson explained that the motto E pluribus unum alludes to the union between the states and federal government, as symbolized by the shield on the eagle's breast. The thirteen stripes "represent the several states all joined in one solid compact entire, supporting a Chief, which unites the whole & represents Congress." -
In god we trust
"In God we trust" was adopted as the official motto of the United States in 1956 as an alternative or replacement to the unofficial motto of E pluribus unum, adopted when the Great Seal of the United States was created and adopted in 1782.
