Eleanor Finch
The American value of participation is a cornerstone of the country's democracy and is reflected in several constitutional principles. The US Constitution establishes a complex system of multiple levels and divisions of government, which provides numerous opportunities for citizens to participate in their governance. This system, designed to limit the power of the government, reflects the principle of popular sovereignty, enabling citizens to hold their government accountable. The Constitution also guarantees certain rights that facilitate participation, such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly, ensuring that citizens can express their opinions and gather in groups without restriction. The principle of republicanism, with elected representatives refining and enlarging the will of the people, further underscores the value of participation. The basic premises of liberalism and democracy are also joined in the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the idea of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Republicanism | Promotion of the common good |
| Rule by the people, directly or indirectly through representatives | |
| Democracy | People are the source of authority for the government |
| Free elections and widespread participation | |
| Equality | |
| Liberty | |
| Rule of Law | Government and citizens abide by the same laws |
| Laws must be stable and justly applied | |
| Due Process | Laws and rules are applied equally to all people |
| Separation of Powers | Branches of government limit the powers of other branches |
| Checks and Balances | Powers distributed among branches of government to prevent expansion of power |
| Freedom of Religion | Right to choose one's religion without interference |
| Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly | Right to express opinions freely and gather in groups without restrictions |
| Private Property | Right to create, obtain, and control possessions and opinions |
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What You'll Learn
Republicanism and the common good
Republicanism is a theory of government that emphasizes the participation of citizens for the common good of the community. It is a political ideology that encompasses a range of ideas, including civic virtue, political participation, the harms of corruption, the positives of a mixed constitution, and the rule of law. In the United States, republicanism has been a foundational ideology, shaping the country's constitution and history.
The values and ideals of republicanism are deeply rooted in the United States Constitution, promoting liberty and inalienable individual rights. It recognizes the sovereignty of the people as the source of all authority in law, rejecting monarchy, aristocracy, and hereditary political power. The Founding Fathers of the United States combined ideas of republicanism and liberalism to establish a constitutional government that guaranteed these inherent rights. This hybrid theory of liberal republicanism evolved into the democratic republic of the United States and influenced the worldwide spread of representative and constitutional democracy.
The influence of republicanism during the founding era of the United States was significant. The US Constitution emerged as a revolutionary framework built upon republican ideals: civic virtue, popular sovereignty, and the common good. These principles laid the cornerstone for a resilient political system, underscoring the ongoing need to balance liberty with governance. The Founding Fathers, including Jefferson, Adams, and Madison, embraced these ideas, viewing the United States as a bastion of republican ideals. They synthesized the rich traditions of classical antiquity, the Renaissance, and Enlightenment thought, creating the bedrock of American political culture.
Republicanism stresses the importance of civic virtue and the active participation of citizens in public discourse as essential to achieving the common good. It relies on the propertied independence of its citizens, where ownership of capital enables meaningful engagement in decision-making. This safeguards against the subversion of democracy by a wealthy oligarchy or an aggressive state. Encouraging citizen participation in civic life and contributing to the common good are crucial for upholding republican principles and fostering unity within political parties.
The traditional values of republicanism, emphasizing civic virtue and adherence to constitutional limitations, have faced challenges in modern times. The rise of charismatic individualism and the concept of a ""personal presidency"" have shifted the focus toward individual leaders eclipsing traditional party machinery. This evolution has had a profound impact on the Republican Party's structure, with individual leadership often overshadowing collective decision-making and long-standing republican principles.
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Popular sovereignty
The idea of popular sovereignty promotes the belief that the government's primary purpose is to serve the common good and uphold the will of the people. This notion aligns with the principles of classical republicanism, where rule by the people, either directly or indirectly through representatives, is a key tenet. In the American context, this translates to a government that derives its legitimacy and authority from the people it serves.
The complex system of multiple levels and divisions of government in the United States, including national, state, and local governments, offers numerous opportunities for citizen participation. This system, designed by the Framers of the Constitution, serves as a check on the power of the government and enables citizens to hold their leaders accountable. It reflects the principle of popular sovereignty by providing avenues for citizens to actively participate in their governance and influence political processes.
Formal institutions, such as political parties, campaigns, and elections, are essential platforms for citizen participation. Additionally, civil society groups and associations play a crucial role in facilitating participation and allowing citizens to monitor and influence government decisions. This multifaceted approach to participation strengthens the principle of popular sovereignty and empowers citizens to protect their rights and promote their interests.
The maintenance of popular sovereignty requires an engaged and informed citizenry. Citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities are better equipped to hold their government accountable and ensure that governing institutions serve their intended purposes. This vigilance is essential to safeguarding the freedoms and opportunities guaranteed by the Constitution and advancing the common good.
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Rule of law
The rule of law is a system of government where both the government and the citizens are bound by the same laws, regardless of political power. This means that laws must be applied equally and justly to all people, and they must be stable and fair. The rule of law is a durable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitments that deliver four universal principles: accountability, just law, open government, and accessible and impartial justice.
The rule of law is a foundational principle of the American democratic system, where citizens are provided with numerous opportunities for choice and participation. Formal institutions and processes of government, such as political parties, campaigns, and elections, are important avenues for citizen participation and influence on the political process. The American system of multiple levels and divisions of government, including national, state, and local governments, provides further opportunities for citizens to participate in their own governance and hold their leaders accountable.
The courts play a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law by interpreting the Constitution and addressing grievances voiced by minority groups or individuals with minority opinions. This interpretation of the Constitution and the laws passed by Congress helps ensure that the will of the people, as expressed in the Constitution, takes precedence over the intentions of their legislative agents.
The rule of law is also closely associated with the principle of separation of powers, which divides power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. This framework, established by the framers of the U.S. Constitution, prevents any single person or branch from gaining absolute power and ensures that all are bound by the law.
The rule of law, as a concept, has ancient origins and is traceable to ancient scholars. It has been a part of the American experiment in self-government, where the people are the source of authority and the government is of the people, by the people, and for the people.
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Freedom of speech, press, and assembly
The right to freedom of speech and expression is a cornerstone of American democracy, allowing individuals to express their opinions and ideas freely without fear of censorship or retribution. This includes the right to speak, write, and publish one's sentiments, as well as the freedom to seek and receive information. Madison, in his proposal of the speech and press clauses, emphasised the importance of freedom of the press as "one of the great bulwarks of liberty". This freedom enables citizens to engage in open dialogue, exchange ideas, and participate in public discourse, fostering a well-informed and engaged citizenry.
The right to freedom of assembly is closely linked to freedom of speech, allowing individuals to gather peacefully and associate with others. This right enables citizens to collectively express their views, engage in protests and demonstrations, and participate in political and social movements. By assembling and uniting around common causes, individuals can amplify their voices and exert influence on decision-making processes, holding their government accountable.
These freedoms are essential for a functioning democratic society, facilitating citizen engagement and participation in governance. They empower individuals and communities to actively shape their society, challenge power, and advocate for change. Additionally, they promote transparency and accountability in government by enabling scrutiny of its actions and decisions.
However, it is important to note that these freedoms are not absolute and may come into conflict with other values and legal principles. For instance, debates arise regarding the boundaries of free speech, particularly in cases involving hate speech, defamation, or threats to national security. Finding a balance between protecting these freedoms and upholding other societal values is an ongoing dialogue in American society and jurisprudence.
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Democratic self-government
The American democratic system of self-government is a complex system of multiple levels and divisions of government, with national, state, and local governments all affecting the daily lives of citizens. This system, designed by the Framers of the Constitution, is intended to limit the power of government and prevent its abuse. It also provides numerous opportunities for citizens to participate in their governance, reflecting the principle of popular sovereignty.
The central focus of democracy is that the people are the source of authority for the government. This idea is related to free elections and widespread participation. The basic premises of liberalism and democracy are joined in the Declaration of Independence, where they are stated as "self-evident truths". The values and principles of American constitutional democracy are sometimes in conflict and are often disputed. For example, while most Americans value equality, liberty, and other fundamental rights, they may disagree about the priority of these values or their application in specific situations.
To participate effectively in public debate and evaluate, monitor, and influence the political process, citizens need to understand the reasons for this system of dispersed power. Formal institutions and processes of government, such as political parties, campaigns, and elections, provide important avenues for citizen participation. Additionally, the many associations and groups that constitute civil society offer further opportunities for citizens to engage and influence the political process.
The continuation of the American experiment in self-government requires citizens to know, understand, and practice certain virtues that promote self-government and help guarantee that communities work towards a common purpose. These virtues include responsibility, as exhibited by historical figures such as Clara Barton, whose story can be used to teach the concept of civic virtue in classrooms.
The American political system, with its multiple levels and divisions of government, provides a framework for democratic self-government by offering numerous opportunities for citizen participation and engagement. Citizens can hold their governments accountable, protect their rights, and ensure that governing institutions are directed towards their right ends.
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