Documents created at the inception of American democracy detailed basic democratic concepts and principles under which the Founding Fathers hoped to live. Thomas Jefferson, in the Declaration of Independence, wrote about every man’s fundamental right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The framers of the United States Constitution sought to design a system of government that would help make the ideals of the Declaration of Independence a reality. Today, United States Supreme Court justices refer to the Constitution for guidance as they attempt to adjudicate modern-day conflicts. Much of the influence and authority of the Supreme Court rests in the interpretation of the original concepts and principles of the Constitution. Many publicly debated issues, such as gun control, reproductive rights, and property rights, result from disagreement over basic concepts and principles expressed in the founding documents of democracy.
To prepare for this Discussion:
• Review the Declaration of Independence in this week’s Learning Resources. Focus on the democratic principles outlined in the document.
• Review the transcript of the Constitution of the United States in this week’s Learning Resources. Consider the relationship between the principles summarized in the Constitution and those detailed in the Declaration of Independence.
• Review the article "The Magna Carta and Its American Legacy" in this week’s Learning Resources. Think about how the Magna Carta influenced concepts and principles in founding documents of democracy.
• Peruse the Supreme Court of the United States website and review arguments for current cases.
• Select a democratic concept or principle that is represented in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Supreme Court cases.
• Think about where and how your selection appears in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, and how it might be used by a Supreme Court justice in a Supreme Court case.
With these thoughts in mind:
The Assignment/discussion – 4 paragraphs (1 page single file or 2 pages double space) APA style of writing
An explanation of the democratic concept or principle you selected for this Discussion and why you selected it. Then explain where and how it appears in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution. Be specific and cite where it can be found in each document. Finally, explain how the concept or principle might be used by a Supreme Court justice in a modern-day Supreme Court case to adjudicate a current conflict.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
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