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Module 1

Lesson 1.01
Natural Rights
Lesson 1.01 Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
identify the constitutional principles of representative government, limited
government, consent of the governed, rule of law, and individual rights
illustrate examples of how the government affects citizens at the local, state, and
national levels


01.01 Natural Rights
What Unifies Americans?
The United States is a melting pot a diverse population whose people find their origins around the globe.
The history of the United States and the foundations that this country was built on serves as a unifying force. These
foundations include the shared values of equality, freedom, justice, and that people are equal and have the same rights and
freedoms under the law.

What is the Purpose of Government?
Government exists to provide order and safety to its citizens. Without government there would be anarchy.
The purposes of Government:
keep the peace within its territory,
protect its citizens,
provide important services, and
maintain public institutions.
Government is created because people working collectively can accomplish more than an one individual. Laws and public
policy help direct where and how to build structures (for ex., airports & schools). Laws help keep us safe (ex., speed limits,
punishment for crimes). Institutions (ex., libraries & hospitals) increase our quality of life and society.
Government provides order to the creation and maintenance of institutions, public policy, and infrastructure
so that people can exercise their rights and explore opportunities.




01.01 Natural Rights
Carrying out Governments Purpose
In the United States, the Constitution is the basis for creating and following laws and policy. This document outlines the structure and functions of the U.S.
government. Americans follow the laws and policies within three levels of government: local, state, and federal.
Laws place limitations on citizen behavior. However, most citizens agree with them because the law benefits the common good and protects their most basic
rights.
A citizen's duty is to abide by the laws. U.S. citizens can challenge the laws through the courts. Following the laws and rules affirms the legitimacy of the
government.

What are Natural Rights?
The U.S. Constitution protects our natural rights: these are rights that anyone is born with and government cannot take away. The modern concept of natural
rights can trace its roots to the Enlightenment Period. John Locke described these rights as the right to life, liberty, and estate (property). When the Declaration
of Independence was written, Thomas Jefferson changed this phrase to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and referred to them as unalienable rights.
The idea of individual or natural rights is a vital principle of U.S. government today. It led our Founders to include a list of specific protections for rights,
the Bill of Rights, as an additional section of the Constitution.

Consent of the Governed
A government is legitimate only if the people agree with its existence. Early Americans Colonists parted ways with the British Monarchy because they believed
that the only just government is one where the people themselves, as free and equal citizens, determine what powers and functions the government would have.
The Declaration of Independence alludes to the principle of the social contract. This principle states that this consent of legitimacy places government under an
obligation to fulfill its purpose by protecting the people and their rights. If it does not, the people could withdraw their consent, abolish the government, and form
a new one.
01.01 Natural Rights

What is Representative Government?
Democracy means "rule of the people." Two basic forms of democracy existdirect and representative. In direct democracy,
every citizen would vote or consent to every decision- an impractical concept in most cases.
In a representative democracy, the people consent through their votes to give certain people the power to make decisions on
their behalf. Majority rule determines decisions, the law, or policy supported by the majority of people through their
representatives.
The United States is a Representative Democracy, otherwise known as a Republic.
What is Limited Government?
The United States is also a limited government because the structure, functions, and powers of the United States are clearly
outlined in the Constitution. While the government has expanded or contracted its powers over time, the people and
representatives have had a voice in most changes, ensuring that the government continues to only use powers which the
people consent are necessary.

What is Rule of Law?
This fundamental principle means that no one is above or below the law. Even the president and other federal officials must
abide by the laws. They pay taxes and obey speed limits like everyone else. Laws exist to protect safety and order, and all
citizens must obey them. The Rule of Law protects your safety and your rights, including your rights to pursue your goals and
seek justice through the courts for crimes or disputes.




01.01 Natural Rights





Fundamental Principles
Federalism Division of powers among the local, state, and federal
governments
Rule of Law Principle that both those who govern and those who
are governed must obey the law and are subject to the
same laws
Limited Government Idea that government should be restricted to its basic
function of protecting peoples natural rights
Individual Rights Specific rights that belong to each person
Consent of the Governed
(Social Contract)
The idea that people agree, or consent, to government
authority and in return the government protects the
people and their rights
Representative Government Form of government where qualified voters elect
representatives who carry out the work of government
and are responsible to the people
Separation of Powers Dividing government powers into legislative,
executive, and judicial branches

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