GENERAL CURRICULUM TEST OBJECTIVE : 0006 Understand major developments in the history of the United States from precolonial times to the present.
The term Founding Documents refers to key documents in American history that contributed to the formation of the American goverment and includes American democratic principles and values. The United States was founded with emphasis on citizens having a great degree of autonomy and liberty. The famous saying, "No taxation without representation" which was a rallying cry during the American Revolution points to the experience of the colonists in having no voice in their governance, and thus it was emphasized in the foundation pieces of the United States.
Liberty is one of the key words in the Declaration of Independence and the pursuit of liberty is a value that the document emphasizes. The idea that a people should be free to pursue their own path, even to make their own mistakes has dominated political thought throughout the history of the United States. Representation, the idea that a people can vote or replace their lawmakers, is another key idea in the Founding Documents. Again, this idea reflects values that grew out of not having that right as British colonies. The idea of all having an equal voice and that proposed laws would be debated as to their strengths and weaknesses with input from the public, demonstrates that representation and equality are important American values. Equality as a value is also reflected in the idea that different parts of the goverment, having their own specific powers, were designed to balance and check one another so that no one part could become too powerful. Furthermore, as a key concept in the American ideal, equality means that every person has the same rights and responsiblities under the law. The colonists had previously experienced a statified society (one where various classes of people had more power than others) before becoming independent. Thus, this idea of equality is emphasized in both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
Due process under the law is a primary concern reflected in the Founding Documents. This means the right to be heard, and to have the same fundamental fairness in all legal matters.
The ability of the government to change as needed is reflected in the ability to amend, or change, the Constitution. Various constitutional amendments protect the rights and freedoms of the people. Individual freedom on choice is a value that forms the basis for the system.
Founding principles can be found here:
http://billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/founding-principles/
The Founding Documents include:
The first three Founding Documents listed above are considered essential.
Resources:
http://www.foundingfathers.info/documents/
http://billofrightsinstitute.org/founding-documents/
http://resources.utulsa.edu/law/classes/rice/Constitutional/AntiFederalist/antifed.htm
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