April- 4th
01/10/2013
Classroom Based Assessment
I believe that the laws and rules put forth in the Articles of Confederation, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence have been upheld if not improved by including all in the pursuit of happiness. These documents are called the founding documents of the United States. They are called that because they were the documents that guided people into forming a new, bright nation. The documents served as a guideline for how the founding fathers (the head honchos of the US back then) wanted things to be. Freedom, equality, and taxation with representation are big ideals that are discussed in the documents.
The definition of freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint (Dictionary.com). Freedom was gained through the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the outcomes achieved through the Revolutionary War. This concept was so important to the United States because the reason the colonists came over and settled in the US was to gain freedom from the Crown. The 1st Amendment of the Constitution promises freedom of speech, religious freedom, and freedom of expression. This amendment was a bit contradicting in some ways, for example women weren’t allowed to vote until 1919 with the 19th Amendment passing and then weren’t allowed to vote in even more states until 1920. Also men of color were not allowed to vote until the 15th Amendment was passed. This also made it possible that they have the freedom to act separately from white men and not be controlled. So the 1st Amendment has been upheld and made even better over the years with this amendment added. Add something about the freedom of speech and what it allows…. Are there limitations… are these limitations (being PC, not threatening others, and slander/libel) a good thing that even though it goes against the 1st amendment to limit, are necessary? Why are they necessary? EVIDENCE (ARTICLE)—justify how it ties in
The definition of Equality is “The state of being equal, esp. in status, rights, and opportunities” (Dictionary.com). In the Declaration of Independence it stated, “All men are created equal”. Initially this meant the equality was only meant for white men. And then the 13th amendment abolished slavery. This was an upgrade because it didn’t put people of different colors at a serving status. The 15th amendment gave anyone the right to vote regardless of color. I think that founding documents are being upheld because the laws are still being followed and changing to match societal views yet the key concept of equality is being embraced. For example, gay marriage is starting to get legalized in more and more states. EVIDENCE – ARTICLE- JUSTIFY
The definition of Taxation is “a compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers’ income and business profits or added to the cost of some goods, services, and transactions