Goals & Principles of the Constitution

How do we know what the goals of the Constitution were intended to be?
They told us.

- to form a more perfect Union
- establish justice
- ensure domestic tranquility
- provide for the common defense
- promote the general welfare
- secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our  posterity



Remember the basic functions we talked about in Unit I?

Just like we looked at some basic principles that would help us work towards our ideals of American democracy, we have principles that help us in our pursuit of the goals laid out in the Constitution.
Some basic principles of the Constitution








  - popular sovereignty
  - limited government
  - separation of power
  - checks & balances
  - judicial review
  - federalism

Ideals & Principles of American Democracy

Ideal - conceptual; something in its perfect state; often not achievable
So why have ideals? It gives you something to strive for

What are some ideals of American democracy?
- Liberty
- Equality  (see excerpt from deTocqueville's Democracy in America in text)
- Self-governance

Principles - values upheld despite the cost
If we hold fast to these principles, they help us move towards our ideals

Some key principles of American democracy
- Individual worth
- Rule of Law
- Majority rule w/ minority rights (liberal democracy)
- Compromise
- Citizen participation

Closely related to democracy is the American principle of ....
- Free enterprise


Do these ideals and principles illustrate your concept of the Utopian America??