GENERAL

WORLD HISTORY

U.S. HISTORY

 

 

Ms. Ann Cerny's

History Website
 

United States History: Big Ideas & Concepts

  Text Box: Political DevelopmenT The US political system has developed around democratic values which aim to ensure people’s rights and voice in government. Republicanism           Federalism              Rights & Liberties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Economic Development The U.S. economy has developed around capitalist values, and has transformed from a nation of independent farmers to an industrial giant. Free Enterprise/Free Trade        Economic Opportunity          Labor Systems  

 

Text Box: Social and Cultural Development  US society has become increasingly diverse, continually struggling to achieve full inclusion of all citizens. Diversity & Inclusion                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Inconsistencies  Although our country prides itself on its core values, there have been many instances where we have contradicted those values.  Inconsistencies with Republicanism, Rights & Liberties, Inclusion                    

 

 

Concept Definitions

 Political Development

Republicanism:  the notion that people have a voice in government

      Inconsistency with Republicanism: when people were denied a voice in government

Federalism: In an effort to make government more responsive to the people, powers are divided between Federal and State governments.

 

                                                                                    vs.

 

 

 Rights and Liberties: the notion that people have certain “God-given” rights

            that the government protects.   Examples of Rights: “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;” 

            from the Bill of Rights:  freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, property  

            rights, justice/due process.
         Inconsistency with Rights and Liberties: when people were denied rights.
 

Economic Development

Free Enterprise/Free Trade:  the development of business and trade,  

                including the notion that government should not restrict business and trade activities

 

Economic Opportunity:  the expectation that, in America, there are opportunities available

               to better an individual’s economic situation

 

Labor Systems:  identifying who does the work; the various systems of labor used in America

 

Society and Culture

Diversity: the variety of people in America

 

Inclusion: the notion that every group of people is treated equally and has access

              to the same opportunities

       Inconsistency with Inclusion: discrimination; when people were not treated equally

              or included equally in society.