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Enlightenment and the Rise of Democratic Ideas Caroline Kublin
EDSC 307 History-Social Science Content Standard 11.1
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The American Revolution Lasted from 17751783 The 13 colonies
joined together to defend their respective self-governance and
manage the armed conflict against the British to gain independence
Lead to the formation of the Declaration of Independence
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The Declaration of Independence Adopted on July 4, 1776
Announced that the thirteen American colonies were now independent
states and no longer a part of the British Empire Written by Thomas
Jefferson We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the
pursuit of Happiness. These words are the influence of the
Enlightenment Period. What do these words mean to you?
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Articles of Confederation Established in 1781 The first
constitution of the United States The Articles set the rules for
making war and negotiating diplomatic agreements, and the Union
shall be perpetual. George Washington and Alexander Hamilton felt
that the Articles lacked the necessary provisions for a
sufficiently effective government. There was no president or
executive agencies or judiciary There was no tax base. There was no
way to pay off state and national debts In 1788, with the approval
of Congress, the Articles were replaced by the United States
Constitution and the new government began operations in 1789.
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The Constitution Adopted 1787 The supreme law of the United
States and is the framework for the organization of its government.
It defines the relationship of the federal government with the
states, citizens, and all people within the United States. The
Constitution has been amended twenty- seven times; the first ten
amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
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Where did the ideas come from that lead to the formation of the
Bill of Rights? The English Bill of Rights (1689) was an
inspiration for the American Bill of Rights. The focus is on
religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly. The
right to bear arms, protection against double jeopardy, and
protection against self- incrimination. Rights reserved to the
States.
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ACTIVITY Get into small groups (4 people) to a group and create
your own Bill of Rights. Answer the following questions: What
rights are important to you and why? Write them down. What
influences your decision on what is important? Past experience,
family heritage, etc. Vote for one person from the group to read
these rights to the class. What influenced your decision to vote
for them to present? Stay in small groups and discuss the following
questions presented in the power point. Put your ideas in the KWL
handout.
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Importance/Contributions/Value of the Influence of the
Enlightenment Period What do think the impact of these documents
have upon our lives today? Some examples are the right to vote, own
property, choice of profession, right to an education
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What if a different kind of government was established
socialist or communist? More revolutions? More discontent? Extreme
poverty and extreme wealth? Elimination of the middle class? Other
ideas?
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What could the next step be in our democratic process of
government? Should non-native born citizens be eligible for the
presidency? Should bicameralism give way to tri- cameralism or
quad-cameralism? Expansion of the 2-party system and give other
parties an opportunity at the presidency? Right of citizens
extended to non-citizens? Other thoughts?
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Conclusion What do you think is the most important aspect of
our democratic society? Which document encapsulates that and why?
Where do you think we will be in another 200 years?