Unit 1 – Court cases and support for Statements
Question 1 According to the Founders, what are the basic purposes of
government?
Quote from the declaration “That to secure these rights, Governments are
instituted among Men” (the previous phrase could also be included).
Barron v. Baltimore – protect property
Question 2 Why did the Framers think a constitution was necessary to achieve
these purposes?
Quote from the declaration “”that whenever any Form of Government becomes
destructive of these Ends it is the right of the People to alter or to abolish it and
to institute a new Government>>as to them shall seem most likely to effect their
Safety and Happiness.”
Preamble – “Ensure domestic tranquility”
Egypt and Libya and troubled countries trying to establish new governments.
Question 3 Which did the Founders think was more important, the common good
or individual rights?
Wisconsin v. Yoder – Individual rights v. common good
Immunizations
Preamble: Blessing of liberty – individual and General Welfare – common good
Question 4 Does our government still serve the purposes that the Framers
intended?
Declaration
Preamble – General Welfare, Common Good
Additional
A. Where did the framers get their ideas about good government?
John Locke
Roman Republic
British Parliament
Current event – 3 Americans imprisoned in Iran – different rights in different
countries
B. What does it mean to consent to be governed? Please give examples.
C. What was life like for the average colonist and how did it influence their ideas
about government?