CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTSChapter 3

Foundations of our constitutionLesson 3-1

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Adopted July 4, 1776 from original 13 colonies in Philadelphia

DOI charged King George with usurpation.DOI declared all men are created equal, that

they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights - - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

To secure these rights - - own government that derived its power from the people

Declaration of Independence

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

13 states united under a charter called the ACFirst governing document or constitution of USThe AC promised

1-house legislature with 2-7 reps from each statestrict term limits on Congressa national defense paid by the national govtstates asked to make pymts to national treasuryArticle amendments require unanimous vote

There is STILL a need for a stronger central government.

This led to the special convention of delegates

Articles of Confederation

U.S. CONSTITUTION

Drafted at the special convention – 1787Seven articles – Workable framework for fed.

govt.of the people, by the people, for the people

June 1788 - - ratified by 9 nine statesNow considered a unified country

4 of the 13 states - - believed USC failed to provide adequate protection of human rights as declared in DCVirginia, New York, North Carolina, Rhode

IslandThe inadequacy had to be corrected.

US Constitution

THE BILL OF RIGHTS

The first ten amendments to USCEnacted as a shield against the possible

violation of specified human rights as declared in the DC

Bill of Rights