unit 6 what challenges might face american constitutional democracy in the 21 st century?

Essential Question

What challenges might face American constitutional democracy in the 21st century?

Unit OverviewLesson 33: What Does it Mean to be a Citizen? Lesson 34: What Is the Importance of Civic

Engagement to American Constitutional Democracy? Lesson 35: How Have Civil Rights Movements

Resulted in Fundamental Political and Social Change in the United States?

Lesson 36: How Have American Political Ideas and the American Constitutional System Influenced Other Nations?

Lesson 37: What Key Challenges Does the United States Face in the Future?

Lesson 38: What are the Challenges of the Participation of the United States in World Affairs?

Lesson 39: What Does Returning to Fundamental Principles Mean?

Unit 6 Purpose

This unit provides an overview of American citizenship and opportunities for participation in local, state and national government.

This unit also offers a frame of reference and basis for understanding how the American constitutional model has influenced other countries and international organizations.

Finally, you will consider some challenges facing American constitutionalism in the future.

Lesson 33: What Does it Mean to Be a Citizen?

Created by Arlene HarrisOctober 2011

Slideshow Accompanies The Center for Civic Education’s “We the People: The Citizen & The Constitution” Curriculum

Lesson 33 Purpose

This lesson discusses citizenship, how ideas about it have changed in the US, naturalization, dual citizenship and responsibilities of citizens and resident aliens.

Participation in government through the electoral process tacitly gives agreement to be governed by the Constitution. Most people at some point take an oath to support and defend the Constitution—in the military, as a juror, lawyer, teacher, or other way. This lesson discusses these ways.

Lesson 33 Objectives

Explain some of the most important legal rights and obligations of citizens.

Explain some of the most important moral rights and obligations of citizens.

Explain the different ways one may become an American citizen.

Evaluate, take, and defend positions on How American citizenship was defined before the 14th

and later amendments. How the rights and responsibilities of citizens differ

from those of naturalized aliens

Lesson 33 Terms & Concepts

Alien A person not living in the country of his/her citizenship;

foreign-born resident

Citizen Legal member of a nation, country, or other organized, self-

governing political community, such as a state

Denaturalization To lose or renounce one’s citizenship; a legal process

Dual national citizenship To be a legal citizen of two or more countries at the same time


Enlightened self-interest Philosophy of ethics stating people who act to further interests of

others ultimately serve their own self-interestE pluribus unum

Latin: Out of many, one Jus sanguinis

Right by which nationality or citizenship can be recognized to any individual born to a parent who is a national or citizen of that state

Jus soli Right by which nationality or citizenship can be recognized to

any individual born in the territory of the related stateNaturalization

To be come a citizen of a country not of one’s birth, legal processResident Alien

A noncitizen who lives in a country legally not of one’s birth

How have Americans Thought of Citizenship?

Commonwealths: a self-governing community in which members are expected to serve the good of all.

The Founders counted on citizens as self-sufficient individuals capable of meeting most of their own needs and would thrive in a system of limited government

How did deTocqueville Connect Good Citizenship with Self-Interest in the United

States?

Democracy in AmericaWhile impressed with

equality of opportunity in American society

Wondered how a society so devoted to materialism and pursuit of individual self-interest could produce civic spirit needed for self-government

He argued they found a way to bridge the gap between classical republican virtue and natural rights self-interest

Quote on 245

How Have Ideas about Citizenship Changed in the United States?

From British subjects to colonial citizens

To a particular state and eventually to the “united” states

Philadelphia Convention delegates left citizenship issue to the states; 1787 Constitution, then the Articles of Confederation 1781-1788 continued to do so

Who are Naturalized Citizens and What Should be the Criteria for Naturalization?

Naturalization is a legal process to become a US citizen.

It can be granted to individuals or entire populations by statute or treaty.

It is tied to immigration policyOnly lawfully admitted aliens can become citizens

At least 18 years old Resided in US continuously for at least five years Good moral character Can read, write, speak, and understand English Demonstrate a belief in and commitment to the US

Constitution principles Take the Oath of Allegiance

How has Citizenship Status of Native Americans Evolved?

Constitution Article I suggests they are separate, sovereign nations

1831, Supreme Court changed the interpretation saying they are “domestic dependent nations”

1924, Indian Citizenship Act made them citizens of the US and states where they reside.

Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 includes protecting the “sovereignty of each tribal government.”

What is Dual National Citizenship?

Being a citizen of two countries

Children of American citizens who are born abroad are American

Dual citizenship for Americans is not currently addressed by law.

How May US Citizenship be Lost?

Supreme Court held that stripping natural-born citizens of their citizenship is cruel and unusual punishment, therefore illegal to do

Giving up US citizenship is a “natural and inherent right of the people”

US citizenship may be revoked for: Becoming a naturalized citizen elsewhere Swearing an oath of allegiance to another country Renouncing citizenship formally Being convicted of the crime of treason

What are the Rights of Citizens and

Permanent Residents?

Usually, only citizens can hold public office Residency requirements usually accompany

citizenship requirements for holding office Only the president must be a natural born citizen of

the US

Only citizens can vote Territories such as Puerto Rico do not vote in national

elections in their territorial homes Many states revoke voting rights of convicted felons.

Most other rights are the same for both

What are the Responsibilities of Citizens and Resident Aliens?

Everyone has a duty to obey the laws and pay taxes

Citizens have additional responsibilities: Voting Serving on juries

Lesson 34: What is the Importance of Civic Engagement to American Constitutional Democracy?



Lesson 34 Purpose

Popular sovereignty means people have ultimate governing authority, which carries the responsibility to exercise that authority knowledgeably to balance individual interests and the common good.

This lesson describes ways Americans can participate in civic life to help achieve ideals set for themselves and their nation.

It explains how civic engagement can advance both self-interest and common good.

It also discusses issues related to voting and voting turnout.


Describe needed reforms to Education system Political process The Constitution

Explain opportunities for participation in civil life afforded by Voluntary associations NGOs Service and business organizations Voting

Evaluate, take and defend positions on Whether voting should be mandatory How voting could be easier/more convenient


Nongovernmental organization An autonomous organization independent of direct

governmental control that exists to perform any of a large number of purposes, including humanitarian, educational, or public policy problems and issues

Voluntary associations Autonomous organizations founded and administered by

private citizens, not elected officials, devotes to one or more purposes. They form an essential element of the social basis of democracy

Voter registration Requirement in some democracies for citizens to enroll in

voting rolls before being allowed to participate in elections

Why Should Americans Participate in the Civic Life of the Country?

It helps individuals become attached to their community, region, state, country

They become more likely to voteThey are more likely to be well

informed

How do Voluntary Associations Contribute to Civic Engagement?

Become engaged in civic projectsCommit to making things betterWork toward a common goalTypes:

Religious Social: book clubs, sports, women’s, athletics, school,

scholarship Service: Kiwanis, Lions, Jaycees, Rotary Business: medical/disease, profession, industry Nongovernmental organizations—NGOs: usually classified

by focus i.e. disaster relief, health care, economic development, environmental protection; service or social groups Carter Center, League of Women Voters, Actively lobby for causes and do public education

How can Americans Participate in Local and State Governments?

Elect, oversee representativesLocal: councils, commissions,

school districts, advisory boards, review boards

State: inform one’s self about issues and candidates, elect judges, boards to study and make recommendations regarding matters such as Child welfare Drug and alcohol programs Environmental protection

How Can Americans Participate in the National Government?

More limited than state/localPolitical partiesGet involved in campaignsGet voters out to voteHave a voice in shaping policy,

platforms, and goalsAdvisory groups of constituents

to representativesCommunicate with

representatives

What Needs to be Done to Encourage Voter Turnout?

Elections are administered at the state and local level with help from the Federal Election Commission

Voter registration is done by local and state officials

Absentee/early voting is more popular now

Should presidential election days be national holidays?

Should polling places be open 24 hours or multiple days?

How is Civic Participation Connected to Self-Interest?

Personal interest—economic, quality of life

Acquiring skills Learn how to affect decisions Become more self confident Develop contacts Build a reputation as important

member of community Make new friends Self-interest can be “enlightened” or

narrow

How is Civic Participation Related to Advancing the Common Good?

Makes people aware of other perspectivesLeads to concerns for the common goodIndividuals see themselves related to the

larger wholeModify behavior to serve the needs of the

wholeStrengthens network of interdependence

Lesson 35: How Have Civil Rights Movements Resulted in Fundamental Political and Social Change in the United States?Created by Arlene HarrisSlideshow Accompanies The Center for Civic Education’s “We the People: The Citizen & The Constitution” Curriculum

Lesson 35 Purpose

The Declaration of Independence is celebrated for its commitment to the principles of human liberty and equality.

This lesson examines why African Americans, women, and other groups found it necessary to take concerted action to ensure recognition of their civil rights.


Explain the importance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Voting Rights Act of 1965

Discuss the role of civil disobedience in America’s constitutional democracy.


Civil disobedience Nonviolent refusal to obey laws that citizens regard as

unjust or in protest of specific public policy

Civil rights Rights belonging to an individual by virtue of

citizenship

De facto segregation Racial segregation not mandated by law

De jure segregation Racial segregation mandated by law

What was the Status of Civil Rights in Mid-Twentieth Century America

De jure segregation: Separation required by law

De facto segregation: Racial separation caused by actions of private individuals

and groupsBrown: implied all laws compelling racial

separation violate guarantee of equal protection of the laws

Racial segregation and discrimination was deeply entrenched: slavery almost 250 years, Jim Crow after the Civil War, US Army desegregated in 1948

National government usually deferred to state

What were the Origins of the Modern Civil Rights Movement for African Americans and What were

Its goals?

KKK and Jim CrowReligious, social, political

associations nurtured networks of communication and resistance

NAACP, 1909 foundedInfluenced by GandhiCivil disobedience is usually

nonviolent direct actionPreparation and education was

key; political organization, social nonviolent action—sit ins, protests, marches, boycotts, demonstrations

Goal: overturn laws, protect right to vote

What is the Civil Rights Act?

1963: demonstrations throughout the South, some met with violence

Kennedy announced he would ask Congress for civil rights legislation; killed 3 months later

Johnson signed Civil Rights Act 1964 Most far-reaching civil rights law in

US history, outlawed de jure and de facto segregation Discrimination in hotels, restaurants,

theaters, gas stations, airline terminals, public accommodation sites

Prohibit job discrimination by businesses and labor unions

More national government authority to end school segregation

US Justice Dept to file lawsuits against states discriminating against women and minorities

What is the Voting Rights Act?

1965 march: Selma to Montgomery Alabama gov sent troops: clubbed and beat marchers,

killed one

Prohibits discrimination by raceEliminates literacy tests, poll taxes,

discriminatory registration practicesRequires state and local to provide voting

materials and assistance in appropriate langue based on # voters

2006--extended

What is the Role of Civil Disobedience as a Form of Political Participation?

Used against slavery, in woman suffrage & civil rights movements

King and Thoreau: individuals should obey their conscience. “When conscience and law conflict, individuals have moral responsibility to promote justice by disobeying law”

Critics: never justified, weakens respect for law, makes individual “final” judge—not the law

Defenders: can be no other final judge than individual conscience; laws are not necessarily just; there are higher moral laws which shape moral consciousness; unjust breeds disorder, seeking more just society may promote order rather than undermine it

How has the Movement for Civil Rights Changed since the Mid-Twentieth

Century?

Focus changed from race-centric Voter registration Increase minimum wage Better health care for HIV/AIDS High-quality public education for minority children Farm workers

Chavez & Huerta Better work conditions Pesticides Boycotts, strikes, protests UFW

Native Americans Substandard housing Unemployment Police brutality Discrimination AIM

Lesson 36:How Have American Political Ideas and the American Constitutional System Influenced Other Nations?

Lesson 36:How Have American Political Ideas and the American Constitutional System Influenced Other Nations?Created by Arlene Harris


Lesson 36 Purpose

This lesson examines some of the challenges associated with using the American constitutional model in other parts of the world


Identify which aspects of the American constitutional system have been influential elsewhere.

Explain why some countries and international organizations have chosen to modify the American system or to use other types of democratic systems.

Explain how the US Bill of Rights influenced other countries and how some have adopted bills of rights considerably different from the US.

Evaluate, take, and defend positions on why some aspects of American constitutional democracy that have been effective in the US were not used in other countries.

Lesson 36 Term & Concepts

Human rights Basic rights and freedoms said to belong to all people

everywhere

Universal Declaration of Human Rights An advisory declaration adopted by the United Nations

General Assembly on December 16, 1948, consisting of thirty articles outlining the view of the General Assembly on those rights conceived as guaranteed to all people

How have American Ideas about Government and Human Rights Influenced Other Parts of

the World?

Constitutional principals: popular sovereignty, individual rights, limited government, rule of law

Inspired French Revolution, 17891791 Constitutions: France, Poland1800s: Latin American countries free

from Spain, model for republic gov’t1825: Russia, unsuccessful but inspired20th century:

German constitution 1949—freedoms: religion, assembly, speech, press, expression

Afghanistan, Bosnia, Herzegovina, East Timor, Eritrea, Iraq, Poland, South Africa, Venezuela

After Cold War: former communist states experiment with constitutionalism of their own

What Elements of American Constitutionalism have Influenced other

Countries?

World’s first written framework for national government: US Constitution

Set standard for using convention to draft constitutions, then submit to people for ratification

Presidential government—head of state, elected, cannot be removed by vote of no confidence

Federalism—separate and overlapping powersJudicial power & human rights—judicial review

is an enforcement mechanism; need independent judiciary

How do Other Guarantees of Rights Differ from the Bill of Rights?

Bill of Rights: individual personal, economic, political rights; includes “negative” rights—gov’t “shall not”…

Contemporary charters of human rights assert positive rights—health care, education, equal pay for equal work, fair and just working conditions

How is the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights Similar to and Different from the Bill

of Rights?

FDR asked Congress to adopt laws that would become a 2nd Bill of Rights; didn’t happen

His widow used this to help the UN craft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

30 articles; US agreed in 1948 Personal liberty outlawed coerced or arranged

marriages, slavery Habeas corpus and equal protection Prohibition of ex post facto laws Freedom of assembly, religion, speech, association,

property rights, sanctity of home and correspondence Prohibition of torture Duty to community Right to work, join unions, equal pay Rest and leisure, reasonable work hours, periodic paid

holidays Adequate standard of living for health and well-being Education To seek, receive, and impart information and ideas via

media Regional agreements expanded it with European

Court of Human Rights Protection of rights is now important diplomatically

Created by Arlene HarrisOctober 2011Slideshow Accompanies The Center for Civic Education’s “We the People: The Citizen & The Constitution” Curriculum

Lesson 37 Purpose

This lesson examines some of the challenges that might affect Americans in coming years.

It also explores issues that might lead to future possible changes to the United States Constitution.


Discuss the effects of diversity and technology on the lives of Americans

Explain the importance of civil discourse in debating divisive issues

Evaluate, take, and defend positions on the changing expectations of America’s government and potential constitutional amendments


Eminent domain Inherent power of the state to seize a citizen’s private

property or to expropriate property or rights in property without the owner’s consent. The Fifth Amendment provides for “just compensation” for private property taken for public use, known as the “takings clause”

Immigration Movement of people from one place to another

How Might the United States Look in the Future?

US Census Bureau predicts by 2050: US population will exceed 400,000,000 Most increase will be from immigration US will be more racially and ethnically

diverse than ever Racial lines will blur with intermarriage

Medical advances will help Americans live longer

Typical American neighborhood will be in the West or the South

Cost of water, oil, natural gas will soar Communications and info tech will bring

new information and communication methods/vehicles

How does Diversity Create New Challenges?

E pluribus unum “has usually been achieved by balancing benefits of a diverse society with unifying influence of common civic culture and constitutional ideals.”

This is a major challenge to sustain.Opinions vary: not substantially different; enrich nation’s economy,

culture, education orHow much can US absorb, especially those who do

not learn to speak English and keep cultural practices that conflict with fundamental American principles

How is Modern Technology Affecting America’s Civic Life?

Improvements transform lifeInternet, databases, emailCable/satellite tvCommunity-access tvEvents, proceedings happen

electronically and in real timeDoes not guarantee better informed

populaceDifficult to determine reliabilityMessages aimed at specialized

audiencesChallenge includes devising ways to

use technology to enhance knowledge and civic participation, not insulate from genuine interaction and political discourse

How Might Americans’ Expectations of their Governments Change?

Early America: rely on themselves and private associations to meet needs

20th century: increasingly look to gov’t for social safety net

Are Americans too dependent on gov’t to solve social problems?

Is gov’t growth a sign the private sector is not capable of providing what is required?

How can Civil Discourse Help to Address the Challenges Facing Americans?

Robust exchange of ideas and opinions by engaged citizenry is hallmark of vibrant democracy

Civil discourse is essentialCivil exchange of ideas and

perspectives increases chances of finding mutually acceptable solutions to problems

Example: Constitutional Convention of 1787

What Additional Constitutional Changes Might Americans Debate?

Life and death: When life begins/ends Right to life/death

Term limits Should 22nd Amendment be repealed? Should limits apply to the House and Senate? Should judges serve limited terms?

Property rights “Takings clause”—eminent domain: should it be used by

municipalities to sell to private entities? Campaign finance

Should there be limits Immigration

Illegals, legal visitors staying after visa expiration Should clauses be amended to person from citizen or legal

resident for equal protection and due process clauses?



Created by Arlene HarrisOctober 2011Slideshow Accompanies The Center for Civic Education’s “We the People: The Citizen & The Constitution” Curriculum

Lesson 38 Purpose

This lesson highlights some aspects of America’s participation in the international arena


Identify the constitutional responsibilities of the three branches of the national government in shaping the involvement of the US in world affairs

Describe globalization and identify some of the challenges that globalization poses for citizenship and participation in world affairs

Evaluate, take, and defend positions on issues involving globalization and improving the image of the US abroad


Collective security A system formed to maintain peace among nations in which

participant members agree that a military attack on one is an attack on all and will result in a united response from all members.

Globalization Process of interconnectedness and closer integration of world markets

and businesses as a result of advances in transportation, communications, and information technologies.

International law Rules that regulate how countries are to behave toward one

another. Isolationism

Foreign policy of a nation that wishes to be inward-looking rather than involved with other countries.

Letter of marque and reprisal A grant of authority from Congress to private citizens, not the

president, to expressly authorize seizure and forfeiture of goods by such citizens in the context of undeclared hostilities with another country or countries. Without such authority, citizens seizing such goods would be pirates in the eyes of international law.


Multinational corporation An enterprise that operates in more than one country

Treaty An agreement under international law between

countries or international organizations

United Nations International organization created in 1945 to maintain

peace through the collective security of its members

Why is International Engagement Inevitable?

Thucydides (c 460-400 BCE) “The powerful exact what they can, and the weak

yield what they must”

Even from founding, US needed othersWorld trade and scarce natural resourcesDesire to export founding ideas to

oppressedIsolationism is not realistic in a world

with fanatical terrorists, predatory states, nuclear and other weapons

How Does the Constitution Provide for the United States’ Role in the World?

Congress Regulate commerce among foreign nations and

with Indian tribes Declare war, issue letters of marque and reprisal,

and make rules for captures on land and water Raise and support armies, provide and maintain

a navy, and regulate land and naval forces Define and punish piracies and felonies on the

high seas and offenses against the law of nations Ratify treaties

How does the Constitution Provide for the United States’ Role in the World?

President Negotiate treaties Act as commander in chief of the army and navy Appoint ambassadors, other public ministers, and

consuls Receive ambassadors and other public ministers

How does the Constitution Provide for the United States’ Role in the World?

Supreme Court Exercise original jurisdiction over cases affecting

ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls Exercise appellate jurisdiction over admiralty and

maritime cases

What is International Law?

Body of rules of conduct accepted as legally binding by countries in their relations with each other

Purpose: create and maintain international order

Four overarching ideals: Equality of sovereign nation-states Noninterference in the affairs of other

nations No use of force or threat of force Respect for human rights

How do International Organizations Help to Maintain International Order

League of Nations after WW I, first attempt through collective security

United Nations, 1945 Goal: maintain peace through collective security; promote

friendly relations, international cooperation to solve problems; encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for everyone

Many administrative bodies All member countries are expected to provide financial

support 5 permanent members: US, Britain, China, France, Russia

Other international organizations since WW II: NATO International Monetary Fund World Trade Organization World Bank

How can Americans Influence International Relations?

Voting, lobbying and contacting national officiate

Joining nongovernmental organizationsTraveling, exercising citizen diplomacy,

participating in international educationMaking informed consumer decisions

What is Globalization?

Global economy and effects of worldwide economic interdependence on cultures, social relations, and politics

Central features are Trade and commerce: multinational corps, massive exports of

manufactured goods Worker migration: seek better jobs, leads to immigration

policy issues, outsourcing jobs to cheaper labor pools/less regulation

Capital: investment patterns change with new markets/products; creditor nations gain leverage over debtor nation’s policy decisions; volatile markets with news events, stock markets

Information: technology changes with information available to consumers, investors, businesses; influences public opinion, affects political decision, virtual instant access to important info for decisions; fast capital transfers

Lesson 39: What Does Returning to Fundamental Principles Mean?



Lesson 39 Purpose

This lesson is different from the others in that it consists mainly of Critical Thinking Exercises that represent great ideas and principles that have shaped our constitutional heritage.

It also asks you to use the skills of citizenship—observation, analysis, debate, and value judgments—to reach, express, and defend an opinion.


You are to practice for the responsibilities you will encounter in the years ahead

You will work through issues and reach your own conclusions.

Why are Fundamental Principles Important?

The US began as a test to see if certain ideas about government would work

Keynes said “…in the long run, it is ideas and not men who rule the world.”

Tiananmen SquareSolidarityStalinVictor Hugo: “An invasion of armies can be

resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.”

What did the Founders Mean by Returning to First Principles?

1788: “What is the usefulness of a truth in theory unless it exists constantly in the minds of the people and has their assent?”

It is doubtful … an uncritical acceptance of the “wisdom of the past” is good nor what the Founders expected

In revisiting these principals, each generation Must examine and evaluate them anew!

The Founders were vigorous critics of inherited wisdom and their principles Articulate, opinionated individuals who loved to examine

ideasWe need to make principled arguments and ground our

opinions in ideas of enduring value.

unit 6 what challenges might face american constitutional democracy in the 21 st century?

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