Learning Objective

Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Essential Knowledge

The U.S. government is based on ideas of limited government, including natural rights, popular sovereignty, republicanism, and social contract.

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Jefferson with help from Adams and Franklin, provides a foundation for popular sovereignty, while the U.S. Constitution drafted at the Philadelphia Convention and led by George Washington, with important contributions from Madison, Hamilton, and members of the “Grand Committee,” provides the blueprint for a unique form of political democracy in the U.S.

Learning Objective

Explain how models of representative democracy are visible in major institutions, policies, events, or debates in the U.S.

Essential Knowledge

Representative democracies can take several forms along this scale:

• Participatory democracy, which emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society

• Pluralist democracy, which recognizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interests striving for impact on political decision making

• Elite democracy, which emphasizes limited participation in politics and civil society

Different aspects of the U.S. Constitution as well as the debate between Federalist No. 10 and Brutus No. 1 reflect the tension between the broad participatory model and the more filtered participation of the pluralist and elite models.

The three models of representative democracy continue to be reflected in contemporary institutions and political behavior.