Instructions:

 you must write an essayY (1000 words minimum) in which you address the following two questions or topics:

The fundamental values  that inform how our democratic government is legitimated and organized  are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution  of the United States.

1. Identify and discuss  the basic ideals and principles of American democracy and how they are  applied in our republican form of government.

Those ideals and  principles are discussed in the first and second chapters of your  textbook. You can also visit the following websites to read the original  document in which these fundamental values were first stated and how  they were later incorporated in the American Constitution:

• The Declaration of Independence 
•  Links to an external site.
• The Constitution of the United States 
•  Links to an external site.: 

1. Identify the most important Supreme Court cases and executive actions and their impact on law and on our society.

The history of the  United States has been marked by the progressive expansion of voting  rights and the protection of its citizens through legislation and  Supreme Court decisions. At the same time, executive orders,  particularly in periods of crisis led to the violation of individual  rights. Throughout this module, these issues are covered. In chapters 3  and 4 you will find the information you need to answer this question.  You are also encouraged to visit the following websites for further  details.

• Supreme Court Landmarks 
•  Links to an external site. 
• 15 Supreme Court Cases that Changed America 
•  Links to an external site. 
• Executive Orders – The American Presidency Project 
•  Links to an external site.
• NAACP was instrumental  in the landmark case of Brown v Board of Education. Visit the website  to find information on the case that led to desegregation. NAACP Website (Brown v Board of Education) 

 Links to an external site.