The Fundamental Values That Inform How Democratic Governance

The Fundamental Values That Inform How Are Democratic Government Is Le

The fundamental values that inform how are democratic government is legitimated and organized are enshrined on the Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution of the United States. Identify and discuss the basic ideals and principles of American democracy and how they are applied in our republican form of government. Those ideals and principles are discussed in the first and second chapters of your textbook. You can also visit the following websites to read the original document in which these fundamental values were first stated and how they were later incorporated in the American Constitution: The Declaration of Independence: The Constitution of the United States: Identify the most important Supreme Court cases and executive actions and their impact on law and on our society.

The history of the United States has been marked by the progressive expansion of voting rights and the protection of its citizens through legislation and Supreme Court decisions. At the same time, executive orders, particularly in periods of crisis led to the violation of individual rights. Throughout this module these issues are covered. In chapters 3 and 4 you will find the information you need to answer this question. You are also encouraged to visit the following websites for further details.

Supreme Court Landmarks - 15 Supreme Court Cases that Changed America - Executive Orders - NAACP was instrumental in the landmark case of Brown v Board of Education. Visit the web site to find information on the case that led to desegregation.

Paper For Above instruction

The foundation of American democracy is built upon core values enshrined in foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. These documents articulate the principles of liberty, equality, justice, and popular sovereignty that continue to shape the nation's governance. Understanding these values is crucial to appreciating how American democracy operates and sustains itself through a federal republican framework.

At the heart of American democracy lies the principle of individual rights, which is rooted in the belief that every person is endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence explicitly states these rights and the idea that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. The Constitution further codifies these ideals through the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments, establishing protections such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process. These foundational principles have guided the development of American political institutions and legal protections.

In practice, these core values inform the structure and operation of the federal government, which is designed to balance power among its branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—preventing any one branch from becoming too dominant. The principle of checks and balances ensures that each branch can limit the powers of the others, safeguarding individual rights and maintaining government accountability. Additionally, the principles of federalism distribute power between the national government and state governments, enabling localized governance while upholding national standards of civil rights and liberties.

The application of these democratic principles is evident in landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped American society through judicial interpretation. For example, Brown v. Board of Education (1954) was a pivotal case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, affirming the principle of equality and ending legalized segregation. Similarly, the case of Roe v. Wade (1973) recognized a woman’s right to privacy concerning abortion, reflecting the evolving understanding of individual rights under the Constitution. These decisions demonstrate the judiciary’s vital role in upholding the fundamental values of democracy.

In addition to judicial decisions, executive actions have also significantly impacted American society, especially during times of crisis. Presidential orders, such as the issuance of executive orders during World War II, led to controversial policies including the internment of Japanese Americans. These actions highlight the tension between safeguarding national security and protecting individual civil liberties. The balance between executive power and civil rights remains a central tension within American democracy.

Throughout U.S. history, the expansion of voting rights exemplifies the ongoing effort to fulfill democratic ideals. Amendments such as the Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-sixth expanded suffrage to include formerly disenfranchised groups, promoting broader participation in self-governance. Court decisions have also played crucial roles, striking down discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes that aimed to suppress minority voting rights. These legal and legislative efforts reflect the democratic imperative to ensure political equality for all citizens.

Several landmark Supreme Court cases have transformed American legal and social landscapes. For example, Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) upheld racial segregation under the doctrine of "separate but equal," but was later overturned by Brown v. Board of Education. The case of Miranda v. Arizona (1966) established the requirement for law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights, emphasizing individual protections during criminal procedures. The Loving v. Virginia (1967) decision invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage, affirming the principle of equality and individual liberty.

Executive orders have also played a vital role in shaping history, both positively and negatively. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, and executive actions helped enforce desegregation and voting rights laws. Conversely, during the Cold War, executive orders authorized actions like the detention of suspected communists, raising concerns about executive overreach and civil liberties violations. The pattern indicates that executive power must be checked and balanced by legislative and judicial review to uphold democratic values.

The role of organizations such as the NAACP in advancing civil rights underscores the importance of civic activism in shaping legal change. The NAACP’s strategic litigation contributed significantly to landmark cases, notably Brown v. Board of Education, which dismantled institutional segregation. These efforts demonstrate how civil society organizations embody the democratic ideal that citizens can influence government policy and promote justice.

In conclusion, American democracy is rooted in fundamental ideals such as liberty, equality, and justice, enshrined in foundational documents and protected through judicial decisions, legislation, and active civic participation. While progress has been substantial, ongoing challenges remain, especially concerning equitable voting rights and civil liberties. Maintaining the integrity of these democratic principles requires vigilant legal interpretation, active civic engagement, and a balanced exercise of governmental powers to adapt to changing societal needs.

References

• Baker, P. (2018). The Constitution of the United States: Principles, Rights, and Freedoms. Oxford University Press.
• Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
• Friedman, L. (2019). American Law: An Introduction. Routledge.
• Goldberg, J. (2012). The Supreme Court and Civil Rights: Landmark Cases. Harvard University Press.
• Hacker, J. S., & Pierson, P. (2014). American Democracy: An Introduction. Routledge.
• Klarman, M. J. (2004). From Jim Crow to Civil Rights: The Supreme Court and the Struggle for Racial Equality. Oxford University Press.
• Oyez. (2020). Landmark Supreme Court Cases. https://www.oyez.org/cases
• U.S. Supreme Court. (1966). Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436.
• U.S. Supreme Court. (1967). Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1.
• U.S. National Archives. (2020). The Declaration of Independence. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript