POS-301: We The People Essay Questions - Respond To The Foll ✓ Solved

POS-301: We the People Essay Questions Respond to the Following Questio

Analyze the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. Explain the significance of these founding documents and how they altered the concept of government that had prevailed in society before their creation.

What does it mean to be a part of “We the People”? What rights do “We the People” have and where do those rights come from?

How has the term “American” changed from the founding of the nation through today?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The foundational documents of the United States—the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution—are critical to understanding the evolution of American government and the ideals that underpin it. These documents collectively represent the ideological, political, and structural shifts that transformed colonial society into a sovereign nation with a unique identity. Exploring their significance reveals how they collectively redefined notions of governance, sovereignty, and individual rights, thereby shaping the American identity we affirm today.

The Declaration of Independence: A Statement of Principles

The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, is arguably the most iconic document in American history. Primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, it articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from Britain. The document emphasizes principles of individual liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness, asserting that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed (Jefferson, 1776). This declaration marked a revolutionary break from monarchical rule, asserting that sovereignty resides with the people, not the crown. Its influence extended beyond the colonies, inspiring subsequent movements for democracy worldwide (Maier, 1997). The Declaration fundamentally altered the prevailing social contract, emphasizing natural rights and the right to overthrow unjust governments—ideas that persisted through the development of American political philosophy.

The Articles of Confederation: A Failed Union

Following independence, the Articles of Confederation served as the first formal framework for governing the United States (Congress, 1781). It prioritized states' sovereignty over central authority, creating a weak national government incapable of enforcing laws or regulating commerce (Wood, 1997). While it was a significant step toward independence, the Articles exposed structural flaws, such as the absence of a strong executive branch and an effective federal judiciary. As a result, the central government lacked the power to resolve disputes or secure the nation’s borders, leading to economic instability and internal unrest. Challenges under the Articles underscored the necessity for a more balanced and effective constitutional framework, prompting the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 to draft the new Constitution.

The U.S. Constitution: A New Governance Framework

Drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, the U.S. Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation to establish a stronger federal government with a system of checks and balances (Madison, 1787). It created a federal republic with an executive, legislature, and judiciary, designed to prevent tyranny while providing effective governance (Farrand, 1937). The Constitution also embedded foundational principles such as federalism, separation of powers, and a system of constitutional rights. Amendments, particularly the Bill of Rights, further protected individual liberties, reinforcing the rights of “We the People” (Brandeis, 1928). This document significantly altered governance by establishing a durable framework capable of adapting over centuries, ensuring the sovereignty of the people is protected through a constitutionally limited government.

The Concept of “We the People” and its Rights

The phrase “We the People” signifies collective sovereignty—the idea that ultimate authority resides with the citizens of the United States (U.S. Const., Preamble). Rights associated with “We the People” include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to due process, among others—fundamental rights derived from the Constitution, laws, and judicial interpretation (Tushnet, 2011). These rights are rooted in Enlightenment ideas of natural rights and social contract theories, asserting that government exists to protect individual liberties while maintaining social order (Locke, 1689). Over time, judicial rulings and constitutional amendments have expanded and clarified these rights, making them integral to American identity and governance.

The Evolving Meaning of “American”

The term “American” has undergone significant transformation from the Founding era to today. Originally, “American” primarily referred to the inhabitants of the thirteen colonies with common colonial interests and shared ideals of liberty and self-governance (Paquette, 2017). Post-independence, the notion of “American” expanded to include all citizens within a diverse republic characterized by multiculturalism and pluralism. Contemporary America recognizes a multicultural identity that encompasses racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity, reflecting the nation’s evolution into a melting pot (Levitt & Lupton, 2013). The evolving definition underscores the nation’s commitment to inclusion, equality, and the ongoing pursuit of the American Dream, emphasizing that what it means to be “American” continues to stretch and adapt through social and political changes.

Conclusion

The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution collectively represent critical milestones in American history, guiding the development of a government rooted in the principles of liberty, democracy, and constitutionalism. The phrase “We the People” encapsulates the core idea of sovereignty residing with the citizens, whose rights have been progressively defined and expanded. Over time, the concept of “American” has grown from a colonial identity to a symbol of diversity and inclusion, reflecting the nation’s ongoing evolution. Understanding these documents and ideas is essential to appreciating how they continue to shape American political and social life today.

References

• Brandeis, L. D. (1928). Other People's Money and How the Bankers Use It. Harvard University Press.
• Farrand, M. (1937). The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787. Yale University Press.
• Jefferson, T. (1776). Declaration of Independence. National Archives.
• Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government. Awnsham Churchill.
• Madison, J. (1787). Federalist No. 10. The Federalist Papers.
• Maier, P. (1997). American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Knopf.
• Paquette, S. (2017). “The Meaning of American Identity.” Journal of American History, 104(2), 341-358.
• Tushnet, M. (2011). The Constitution of the United States. Oxford University Press.
• U.S. Congress. (1781). Articles of Confederation. National Archives.
• Wood, G. S. (1997). The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787. University of North Carolina Press.