Fundamental Principles and Values of American Constitutional Democracy

Fundamental Principles of American Constitutional Democracy

1. Popular Sovereignty

   • The citizenry collectively holds ultimate authority over public officials and policies.
   • Majorities should have the right to make political decisions, within constitutional limits.

2. Constitutional Government

   • Government is limited to protect basic rights.
   • Sovereign people consent to limitations of powers by agreeing to the Constitution.

   Related Principles

   • Rule of Law
     • Both government and governed are subject to law.
     • Decisions and actions based on established laws.
   • Separation of Powers
     • Legislative, executive, and judicial powers exercised by different institutions.
   • Checks and Balances
     • Powers of government branches should be balanced.
     • Branches have power to check other branches.
   • Minority Rights
     • Majority decisions should not infringe on minority rights.
     • Rights out of legislative majority's reach.
   • Civilian Control of the Military
     • Civilian authority controls military for constitutional preservation.
   • Separation of Church and State
     • Preserves liberty of conscience and belief.
   • Power of the Purse
     • Revenue laws originate in the House of Representatives and approved by Congress.
   • Federalism
     • Power shared between state and federal institutions.
     • Federal law is supreme, but certain subjects are state or local.

Fundamental Values of American Constitutional Democracy

1. The Public or Common Good

   • Citizens should promote the public good.

2. Individual Rights

   • Based on the Declaration of Independence.

   Types of Rights

   • Life
     • Right considered inviolable except in extreme circumstances.
   • Liberty
     • Includes personal, political, and economic freedoms.
     • Personal Freedom: Protection from arbitrary arrest, secure in person and property.
     • Political Freedom: Right to participate in political process, open debate, assembly.
     • Economic Freedom: Right to engage in lawful economic activities.
   • Pursuit of Happiness
     • Right to pursue happiness without infringing others' rights.

3. Justice

   • Fair treatment in distribution of societal benefits, correcting wrongs, and decision-making.

4. Equality

   • Divided into political, legal, social, and economic equality.

   Types of Equality

   • Political Equality: Equal political rights for adults.
   • Legal Equality: Equal treatment before the law.
   • Social Equality: No legally sanctioned class hierarchy.
   • Economic Equality: Avoid extreme economic inequality.

5. Diversity

   • Cultural, ethnic, racial, lifestyle, and belief diversity is beneficial.

6. Truth

   • Government should adhere to truth-telling and full disclosure.
   • Some truth may be withheld if state interests are at risk.

7. Patriotism

   • Devotion to country and its fundamental values.

These principles and values are foundational to civic education and the functioning of American democracy.