What Kind of Government Do We Have? Ch 3 Section 2

What Kind of Government Do we Have?

Core Democratic Values

The Framers talked a lot about what they valued and what they believed in. These were ideas like freedom that were very important to them. We now often refer to these values as Core Democratic Values. They are at the heart, or core, of who we are as Americans. They are the values and beliefs that unite us.

Core Democratic Values

• Common Good- people working together for the benefit of everybody. This is similar to general welfare.

•  Popular Sovereignty- the power of the government comes from the people

• Life, Liberty, Justice, Equality, Diversity, Patriotism, The pursuit of Happiness

Limited Government

 The Framers still worried about the government becoming too powerful. So they wanted to make sure it was based on the value of limited government. This means the federal government does not have complete power. It can only do what the people have given it the power to do. There are limits on its power. 

Representative Government

 The Framers wanted a government where the people elected their leaders. We call this a representative government. This is a form of government where people choose Government representatives to make decisions for them. People transfer their power of government to these representatives. 

http://textbooks.wmisd.org/RepresentativeGovernment.html

“…and to the Republic for Which it Stands” 

A republic is a government where people hold the power of government and choose leaders to make decisions. It is based on the values of popular sovereignty, representative government and limited government

Characteristics of a Republic

• Representatives chosen to serve the common good.

• Representatives help everyone, not just one group.

• Representatives make laws and decisions to be more efficient.

• The people have a say in the government through their representatives.

• If the representatives don't listen, the people can vote them out of office.

Welcome to the Republic of Berwagana!

Is the Republic of Berwagana really a republic??? Why or why not? Write a paragraph taking a position on this question. Give three reasons to support your position. 

Putting it All Together

The Framers did not want a government like the one in Berwagana. Therefore, they chose a republic for our form of government. Their decision was based on ideas they believed in and valued. These included popular sovereignty, representative government and limited government.