What Is The American Experiment?
The Founding Fathers would decribe the nation as a “Constitutional Republic.”
Constitutional = Government/American Society as spelled out in the Constitution
Republic = (Representative Republic) Where citizens elect individuals to government to represent their interest
The Spirit of our Constitution
The Founding Fathers of the United States were deeply influenced by the Judeo-Christian faiths, and many of the values enshrined in the Constitution can be traced back to those faiths. For example, the Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This notion of natural rights is rooted in the Judeo-Christian faith that all people are created in the image of God and have inherent worth and dignity.
The Bill Of Rights
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Core Principles of the United States
The core principles of the United States are the foundation of our democracy and have been enshrined in our Constitution since its signing in 1787. These principles include:
- Popular sovereignty: The people are the ultimate source of power in the government.
- Limited government: The government is limited in its powers and cannot infringe on the rights of the people.
- Separation of powers: The three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) are separate and equal, and each branch has checks and balances on the others.
- Checks and balances: Each branch of government has the power to check the power of the other branches.
- Federalism: The power is divided between the federal government and the state governments. If a power is not given to the Federal government in the Constitution, it resides with the States.
- Individual rights: The people have certain rights that are protected by the Constitution, such as the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to a fair trial.
- Due process of law: The government cannot deprive anyone of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
- Equality under the law: All people are equal under the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law.
Capitalist/Free Market Economy
A capitalist economy is an economic system in which the means of production are privately owned and businesses are free to operate in a market-based system. This means that individuals or businesses own businesses, factories, and other productive assets.
Benefits include:
- Private ownership of the means of production: Individuals or businesses own businesses, factories, and other productive assets.
- Market competition: Businesses compete with each other to sell goods and services to consumers.
- Profit motive: Businesses are motivated to make a profit by selling goods and services at a price that is higher than the cost of production.
- Free markets: The government does not interfere in the economy, except to enforce contracts and protect property rights.
