Class Notes: 1/12

Note: You do not need the text American Government Annual Editions by Stinebrickner.

The Constitution:
We will study the Constitution in depth throughout the course. For now, just be familiar with its structure. The Constitution contains a Preamble (an introductory paragraph that lists reasons for establishing the C.) and seven sections called articles. Below are brief summaries of the articles:

1. the legislative branch
2. the executive branch
3. the judicial branch
4. directions to the states
5. how to amend the C. (the C. has been amended just 27 times)
   
6. ranking our laws
7. how the C. was to be ratified

Benchmarks of Representative Democracy:
Greenberg and Page list three benchmarks of a healthy representative democracy:

• Popular Sovereignty

1. government policies reflect the wishes of the people
   
2. government leaders are selected in competitive elections
3. elections are free and fair
4. people participate in the political process
5. high-quality information is available
6. the majority rules

• Political Equality (one person one vote, equal protection)
  

• Political Liberty (First Amendment rights)