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9th grade · Social Studies · Unit 1 of 7

Foundations of Democracy

Ideas behind the Constitution

What your child practices

Greek, Roman, English and Enlightenment roots of American government, Tocqueville's view of American democracy, republican and liberal ideas, the Federalist Papers and the Bill of Rights as a limit on government.

Maine Learning Results learning standard: Civics & Government 1; History 1 · the roots of democratic ideals and the principles of the Constitution

How we explain it

Children can open this short lesson before they practice.

  1. American government has roots in Greek democracy, the Roman Republic (elected representatives), English rights and Enlightenment ideas.
  2. Popular sovereignty: the people are the source of power (“We the People”). The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation.
  3. The Founders added checks and balances and federalism because people in power can abuse it.

Example: What does popular sovereignty mean? “Sovereignty” means the highest power. “Popular” means of the people. Answer: The people are the source of government’s power

Foundations of Democracy in Maine

In the Maine Learning Results, this is unit 1 of 7 in 9th grade Social Studies, before Taking Part.

Gradelings describes a child's practice on this unit as Beginning, Approaching, Meeting or Exceeding (Four practice steps). That reflects practice, not a report-card mark: the teacher decides the mark.

Source: Maine Department of Education

Sample questions

A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.

  1. Question 1

    Classical liberalism stresses…

    • rule by the military
    • a powerful king
    • individual rights and limited government
    • no rights

  2. Question 2

    Which document did the Constitution replace?

    • the Articles of Confederation
    • the Declaration of Independence
    • the Magna Carta
    • the Mayflower Compact

  3. Question 3

    The Bill of Rights limits…

    • voting
    • the rights of citizens
    • the number of states
    • the power of government over individuals

  4. Question 4

    The rule of law means…

    • leaders can break laws
    • only judges follow laws
    • laws are optional
    • everyone, including leaders, must follow the law

  5. Question 5

    Classical republicanism stresses…

    • civic virtue and the common good
    • no public duties
    • rule by force
    • only private interests

  6. Question 6

    Which Federalist Paper explains why each branch needs "the means to resist encroachments" of the others?

    • No. 78
    • No. 1
    • No. 51
    • No. 10

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