- An introduction to Economics, based on the concepts of free enterprise and limited constitutional government. U.S. Government is integrated throughout the course, and we will be analyzing the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights as founding documents.
- The required textbook is shown above: OpenStax Principles of Economics, 3rd Ed. (orange cover shown). This book is also available as a free download.
- The course is 100% online (via live Zoom webinars).
- You will need access to a relatively modern computer with internet connection. A computer less than 5 years old should suffice. You will need a webcam and mike to participate in the class.
- You'll be turning in your homework on Canvas.
1: Introduction
Reading
Ch. 1 Welcome to Economics
Summary
Economics is all about trade-offs, just like life. We have unlimited wants, but limited resources. You don't get everything you want. The same is true for a Business or an entire Country!
Types of economies:
Ch. 1 Welcome to Economics
Summary
Economics is all about trade-offs, just like life. We have unlimited wants, but limited resources. You don't get everything you want. The same is true for a Business or an entire Country!
Types of economies:
- Command economy: the government decides what to produce and how much to charge
- Market economy: private enterprises produce things based on supply and demand
Lab
"Auctioning-off Dollars" - A classroom experiment in sunk costs and marginal costs
"Auctioning-off Dollars" - A classroom experiment in sunk costs and marginal costs
| Intro_to_economics_ppt_slides.pptx |
| 0._spring_vacation_budget_exercise.docx |
Product Innovation
The Jetson ONE and JetSuit are good examples of entrepreneurial thinking. Would the Jetson ONE and JetSuit be more likely to launch in 1) a Command economy or 2) a Market economy? Discuss
The Jetson ONE and JetSuit are good examples of entrepreneurial thinking. Would the Jetson ONE and JetSuit be more likely to launch in 1) a Command economy or 2) a Market economy? Discuss
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2: Choice and Scarcity
Reading
Ch. 2
Topics
Ch. 2
Topics
- Opportunity Costs
- Production Possibilities Curve
- Begin discussing U.S. Budget
| ch._2_choice_and_scarcity_thought_questions.docx |
| United_Motors_production possibilities curve.ppt |
Apple
Apple Computer, founded by Steve Jobs, is a classic example of the free market delivering "choice" to the consumer.
Apple Computer, founded by Steve Jobs, is a classic example of the free market delivering "choice" to the consumer.
- In 1984, Apple introduced the MacIntosh personal computer. The Mac was the first to use a "mouse" and a "windows" interface. This brought the personal computer to the average person.
- In 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone. The iPhone was a revolutionary product from Apple and it changed the way smart phones worked.
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Thought question: If consumers were persuaded by Chick-fil-A to eat more chicken and less beef, would the cattle population increase or decrease short-term? What about long-term?
| ch._2_united_motors_ppc_student_example.pdf |
3: Demand and Supply
| ch._3_-_demand_lecture_notes.ppt |
| ch._3_-_supply___prices_lecture_notes.ppt |
Reading
Ch. 3 Demand and Supply
Topics
Ch. 3 Demand and Supply
Topics
- Supply & Demand
- Price ceilings and price floors
| ch._3_usa_budget_presentation_student_example.docx |
| ch._3_graphing_probs_3.53-3.57_student_example.pdf |
4: Labor and Financial Markets
Reading
Ch. 4 Labor and Financial Markets
Topics
Ch. 4 Labor and Financial Markets
Topics
- Salaries
- Minimum wage
- Unions
- A.I. in the workplace
| ch._4_labor___finl_markets_lecture.docx |
Ch. 4 and 5 lead us to a discussion of Comparative Government
In the coming months we'll be doing various assignments on Dictators, Kings, Capitalism, and Communism.
In the coming months we'll be doing various assignments on Dictators, Kings, Capitalism, and Communism.
- Market economy = private individuals & firms make their own economic decisions; what to make, and what prices to charge. You are free to raise capital from private sources, banks, stockholders. Investors expect to receive a return on their investment.
- Socialism = the government owns the 'factors of production'. Production and pricing decisions are made by politicians, rather than via supply/demand feedback. Modern Socialist governments own the majority of stock of the big companies; small companies are left private.
- Communism (Marxism) = Communism/Marxism is "Collectivization". Private property is evil. Businesses and family farms are confiscated at gunpoint. Marxism = revolution and class struggle. The bad guys are those who own property and/or have capital. These are known as the 'Bourgeoisie'. In Marxist countries, a small group at the top make the decisions. This is known as "central planning". This leads to shortages of everything.
- Monarchy = In a true monarchy, the King controls everything. If you want to start a private commercial enterprise, you need approval from the King, who naturally wants of piece of the action. A monarchy doesn't favor private, independent corporations. Any private business group is a potential threat to their power. The U.S. rejected the concept of Monarchy in 1776, in favor of government "of, by, and for the people".
- Oligarchy = A group of families run the country. They exercise their control over private commercial enterprise through family connections. A common approach in some countries. Sometimes referred to as a "traditional economy".
- Theocracy = the Mullahs or Priests are in charge. Economic freedom isn't really part of the deal. In Middle Eastern oil-rich countries, the wealth is concentrated at the top.
| ch._4_review_qs_student_example.docx |
5: Elasticity
Reading
Ch. 5 Elasticity
Topics
Ch. 5 Elasticity
Topics
- Elastic: the quantity demanded (or supplied) depends a great deal on the price.
- Inelastic: the quantity demanded (or supplied) doesn't depend as much on the price
- Pricing strategies
| 5._elasticity_lecture_notes.docx |
| 0._buying_a_car_assignment.docx |
| ch._5_review_qs_student_example.docx |
7: Production and Business Costs
Reading
Ch. 7 Production, Costs, and Industry Structure
Topics
Ch. 7 Production, Costs, and Industry Structure
Topics
- Income Statement for a business
- Factors of Production
- Variable vs. Fixed Costs
- Forms of Business Ownership
| ch._7_-_production_and_business_costs_lecture.docx |
| Class lecture slides - Forms of Business Ownership |
Classically, there are 3 forms of setting up a business
- Sole Proprietorship - You are the sole owner
- Partnership - Has 2 or more partners
- Corporation - Has many owners, called shareholders
Handouts
| 0._chocolate_jalapeno_income_statement.docx |
| The Fortune 500 companies list |
| research_a_corporation_assignment_2023.docx |
| ch._7_review_questions_student_example.docx |
| 0._chocolate_jalapeno_income_statement_student_example.docx |
8: Perfect Competition
Reading
Ch. 8 Perfect Competition
Ch. 8 Perfect Competition
| ch._8_perfect_competition_lecture_notes.docx |
Communism assignment
We continue our discussion of "Comparative Government". In this case study we will look at Communism as it existed in the Soviet Union.
The video is on YouTube and Rumble. Watch the first 32 minutes and answer the questions in the handout.
We continue our discussion of "Comparative Government". In this case study we will look at Communism as it existed in the Soviet Union.
The video is on YouTube and Rumble. Watch the first 32 minutes and answer the questions in the handout.
| 0._communism_assignment.docx |
| 0._communism_assignment_stud_example.docx |
9: Monopoly
Reading
Ch. 9 Monopolies
Ch. 9 Monopolies
| ch._9_monopolies_lecture_notes.docx |
Capitalism, Profits, and Justice assgmt
| 0._capitalism_profits_and_justice_assignment.docx |
11: Antitrust Legislation
Reading
Ch. 11 Monopolies and Antitrust Legislation
Summary
Types of Competition
Antitrust Legislation
Ch. 11 Monopolies and Antitrust Legislation
Summary
Types of Competition
- Perfect competition
- Imperfect competition
- Oligopoly
- Monopoly
Antitrust Legislation
- Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890
- Clayton Act of 1914
| Lecture Slides: Market Structure & Competition |
| ch._11_markets_and_competition_assignment.docx |
| iphone_1st_generation_patent.pdf |
14: Labor Markets
Reading
Ch. 14 Labor Markets
Ch. 14 Labor Markets
| ch._14_labor_markets_lecture_notes.docx |
| ch._14_labor_markets_assignment.docx |
"From Raw Materials to Revenue" class presentation
| from_raw_materials_to_revenue_presentation.docx |
Dictators, Monarchs, and Presidents
We continue our discussion of "Comparative Government". In this case study we will look at 20th Century Dictators, Kings, and Presidents. The video is on YouTube and Rumble. Watch 18 minutes of the video and answer the questions in the handout.
We continue our discussion of "Comparative Government". In this case study we will look at 20th Century Dictators, Kings, and Presidents. The video is on YouTube and Rumble. Watch 18 minutes of the video and answer the questions in the handout.
| 0._dictators_monarchs_and_presidents.docx |
17: Financial Markets
Reading
Ch. 17 Financial Markets
Topics
Stocks & Bonds and how they work
Ch. 17 Financial Markets
Topics
Stocks & Bonds and how they work
| ch._17_financial_markets_lecture_part_1_stocks.docx |
| ch._17_financial_markets_lecture_part_2_bonds.docx |
Raising Capital for a Business
Broadly speaking, there are three (3) ways a corporation can raise capital to expand or carry out new projects:
Broadly speaking, there are three (3) ways a corporation can raise capital to expand or carry out new projects:
- A corporation can sell shares of stock. The money raised goes into the firm's bank account, where it can be used to carry out the intended purposes. The shareholders can vote on important matters, and usually expect to share in the firm's profits by receiving quarterly dividends and capital appreciation of their stock.
- A corporation can sell bonds. Investors can buy a bond for its "face value", typically $1,000. This money flows into the firm's bank account, as described above. In return, the bondholder is entitled to receive interest payments, called "coupon payments", at predetermined intervals - typically yearly, semi-annually, or quarterly. At maturity, the bondholder also receives his/her principal - the original $1,000 - back again.
- A corporation can borrow money from a bank. The bank lends the money to the firm, and the firm gives the bank a "note payable". Throughout the term of the loan (for example 1 year, 5 years, 10 years) the bank is entitled to receive monthly payments consisting of principal AND interest, and the loan is discharged by the end of the term.
Wealth, Greed, and Slavery assignment
Analyze 4 short videos by Nobel Prize economist Milton Friedman
Analyze 4 short videos by Nobel Prize economist Milton Friedman
| 0._wealth_greed_and_slavery.docx |
| 0._wealth_greed_slavery_student_example.pdf |
| ch._17_financial_markets_problems_36-40_student_example.pdf |
Midterm Review
19 & 20: Macroeconomics and Growth
Helpful links
- U.S. GDP www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/usa/united-states/gdp-gross-domestic-product
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/consumer-price-index-cpi
- U.S. Exports & Imports by category https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/imports-by-category
- U.S. Trade Balance charts www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/usa/united-states/trade-balance-deficit
- All kinds of U.S. economics & labor charts datacommons.org U.S. Economics and Labor charts
Reading
Ch. 19 & 20
Summary
The central question: "Why do some nations prosper, while others do not?"
What nations need to prosper:
The role of institutions:
GDP = the total dollar value of...
GDP (Y) has four basic components
Therefore we say, Y = C + I + G + NX
Ch. 19 & 20
Summary
The central question: "Why do some nations prosper, while others do not?"
What nations need to prosper:
- Physical capital - roads, highways, shipping ports, factories, communication & power grid, etc.
- Human capital - a workforce that can read & write, is healthy, has a work ethic, can get along with others, etc.
- Natural resources - water, agriculture, coal, oil, gas, iron ore, timber, fisheries, etc.
The role of institutions:
- Political stability
- Private property
- Competitive markets
- Trade
- Stable money and prices
- Tax code
GDP = the total dollar value of...
- all final goods & services (intermediates are not counted, e.g. circuit boards that will be ultimately sold as a computer)
- produced (mere transfers are not counted, e.g. stocks & bonds, social security, welfare, etc)
- in a given year
- within the nation's borders
GDP (Y) has four basic components
- Household spending or "consumption" (C) - cars, furniture, refrigerators, gasoline, doctor visits, school tuition, etc.
- Business investment (I) - factories, machines, tools, buildings and houses, build-up of inventory, etc.
- Government spending (G) - government buildings, salaries, highway construction, court system.... all the expenditures of local, state, and federal government. But doesn't include transfer payments, because a simple transfer of money doesn't produce any goods & services.
- Net exports (NX) = items exported - items imported
Therefore we say, Y = C + I + G + NX
| Wealth_of_the_Nations exercise |
| 0._cost_of_college_assignment_2024.docx |
| 0._economist_thomas_sowell_on_slavery_and_racism.docx |
| ch._19_problems_28-33_student_example.pdf |
21: Unemployment
Reading
Ch. 21
Topics
Ch. 21
Topics
- The business cycle
- Unemployment rate
Politicians use the economy as a weapon. This is a classic line from then-candidate Ronald Reagan. But did President Carter cause the 1979-1981 recession? Discuss...
Review these links:
- U.S. civilian labor force https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CLF16OV
- U.S. current population https://www.census.gov/popclock/
- U.S. unemployment rate https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/UNRATE
- Charts datacommons.org U.S. Economics and Labor charts
22: Inflation
Reading
Ch. 22
Inflation
Ch. 22
Inflation
- A sustained rise in the average price level
- Measured by Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- Elderly and those on fixed incomes
- Lenders - Banks, Savings & Loans, and Credit Unions
- Savers - people trying to save money for the future
- Consumers - anyone who has to buy items which are constantly going up in price
- Borrowers (including governments)
- Certain pension funds
| 14._inflation_lecture_notes.docx |
| 0._understanding_inflation_questions.docx |
Causes of Inflation
Why would a Government allow inflation?
- Cost-push inflation = where the costs of making an item have increased
- Demand-pull inflation = where the demand for an item has increased faster than its production
- Money growth = where the government has simply printed too much money. "Too much money chasing too few items".
- Germany right after WW I is the classic 20th-Century example. Occurred 1922-1923. Britain and France imposed massive reparations on Germany after the war, plus the government owed money to its companies and arms suppliers. The German government (known as the Weimar Republic) resorted to printing its way out of debt, but destroyed the deutsche mark in the process, ultimately leading to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party.
- Zimbabwe in the early 2000's is the most-recent example of hyperinflation. During this period, the country was run by Robert Mugabe, a Communist dictator, who financed his wars of genocide against neighboring African nations by printing money and lying about it to international authorities. Zimbabwe has basically been destroyed. The per capita GDP of Zimbabwe is only $900 per year.
- Other examples: Almost all the large nations of South America have had periods of hyperinflation, the classic examples being Argentina and Chile.
Why would a Government allow inflation?
- If a government is in debt, increasing the money supply makes it easier to pay its debt down.
- Printing money, either electronically or physically, is easier than increasing taxes on its citizens. Inflation is a hidden tax. It's a sneaky way to finance a government without actually raising income taxes.
27: Money and Banking
Class preparation
Read Ch. 27
Lecture topics
Functions of money
Read Ch. 27
Lecture topics
Functions of money
- A medium of exchange - Money makes it easy to pay for things and conduct business. Without money you would need to "barter" for everything, which doesn't work very well.
- A store of value - Money provides a convenient way for us to store value; to hold our assets. You could hold all your assets in the form of cars, houses, stocks, food, ammunition, and gold bars - but you would have to sell these things or "barter" them in order to go out and buy anything. In contrast, money is "liquid" and can be easily transformed into the things you need every day. Also - food can spoil and cars can rust, whereas money at least retains its 'face value'. (We will talk about inflation in a later chapter).
- A unit of account - Just as we use feet and miles to measure distance, we use the U.S. dollar to measure the cost of good, services, and assets we buy & sell. If instead we all used seashells and cows and bales of tobacco for money, it would be much harder to assign a "value" to anything.
- Paper money has value due to its supply and demand. If the government prints too much money, it isn't worth as much (the supply outstrips demand). The dollar's purchasing power has decreased significantly.
- Paper money is backed by the Federal Govt's ability to tax.
- M1 = money in circulation + checking accounts + traveler's checks ($3.5 trillion 2017)
- M2 = M1 + savings accounts + CD's + money market mutual funds ($13 trillion 2017)
- Here are the charts: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-states/money-supply-m1
- Fractional reserve banking - Banks are required to keep a small fraction of the deposits in the form of reserves. They can lend out the rest. This leads to a huge expansion of the money supply. Our classroom simulation/game will illustrate this principle.
- Federal Reserve System - The central bank of the United States.
- Commercial Banks - These traditionally accepted deposits and made loans to businesses and individuals
- Savings & Loans - These were historically set up to accept savings deposits and make home loans to people
- Credit Unions - These are cooperatives, owned by their members/customers
- Today, all three accept checking and savings deposits and extend a wide variety of loans to their customers
Money and Banking classroom exercise
Simulate a 16th Century bank with "fractional reserve requirements" and demonstrate how the supply of money grows as a result.
Simulate a 16th Century bank with "fractional reserve requirements" and demonstrate how the supply of money grows as a result.
28: Central Banking & Monetary Policy
Reading
Ch. 28
Lecture outline
The central bank in the U.S. is called the "Federal Reserve System". It is often just called "The Fed". It is headquartered in Washington D.C. - see picture above. The Federal Reserve was created in 1913 by Congress and President Woodrow Wilson. The National Income Tax was instituted in the same year. They go hand-in-hand. These are two of the most important events in the U.S. in the 20th Century.
Stated purpose of the Federal Reserve System: To regulate the nation's money supply and provide a favorable monetary climate that benefits the whole economy.
The Federal Reserve System is not part of the Federal Government: The New York FED is a private bank, even though its governors are appointed by the U.S. President. It is called "The bankers' bank". It is sort of the banking cartel's bank. It was granted the exclusive right, in 1913, to issue U.S. money. It is illegal for you to create your own 'money', even if you had gold backing it.
By contrast, the U.S. Treasury Department IS PART of the Federal Government. The purpose of the U.S. Treasury is to finance the government. The Treasury issues bonds and bills to finance the government.
To summarize, the U.S. Treasury borrows money to pay for federal spending. The U.S. government spends about $7 Trillion per year - and borrows about $2 Trillion of that. The sum total of that debt is approaching $40 Trillion.
Ch. 28
Lecture outline
The central bank in the U.S. is called the "Federal Reserve System". It is often just called "The Fed". It is headquartered in Washington D.C. - see picture above. The Federal Reserve was created in 1913 by Congress and President Woodrow Wilson. The National Income Tax was instituted in the same year. They go hand-in-hand. These are two of the most important events in the U.S. in the 20th Century.
Stated purpose of the Federal Reserve System: To regulate the nation's money supply and provide a favorable monetary climate that benefits the whole economy.
The Federal Reserve System is not part of the Federal Government: The New York FED is a private bank, even though its governors are appointed by the U.S. President. It is called "The bankers' bank". It is sort of the banking cartel's bank. It was granted the exclusive right, in 1913, to issue U.S. money. It is illegal for you to create your own 'money', even if you had gold backing it.
By contrast, the U.S. Treasury Department IS PART of the Federal Government. The purpose of the U.S. Treasury is to finance the government. The Treasury issues bonds and bills to finance the government.
To summarize, the U.S. Treasury borrows money to pay for federal spending. The U.S. government spends about $7 Trillion per year - and borrows about $2 Trillion of that. The sum total of that debt is approaching $40 Trillion.
30: Government Budgets
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Reading
Ch. 30
Outline
Fiscal Policy was developed by John Maynard Keynes in The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money (1936)
Became known as "Keynesian Economics". Keynesian = Canes-ee-an
Ch. 30
Outline
Fiscal Policy was developed by John Maynard Keynes in The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money (1936)
Became known as "Keynesian Economics". Keynesian = Canes-ee-an
| ch._30_fiscal_policy_lecture_notes.docx |
U.S. Government Budget
You should have a general idea of the government's budget (taxing and spending).
You should have a general idea of the government's budget (taxing and spending).
- Total U.S. Goverment spending https://www.usgovernmentspending.com/
- Spending breakdown www.usgovernmentspending.com/federal_budget_detail_fy24rs12012n_1li1n
- Total U.S. Government revenue https://www.usgovernmentrevenue.com/
- Revenue breakdown www.usgovernmentrevenue.com/yearrev2023_0.html
Classical Economics had said that peaks and valleys in the economy will smooth themselves out if left alone to the private sector. Supply and demand would rise and fall, but always return to equilibrium due to market forces.
In these ideas, you probably recognize the influence of Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations (1776).
Keynesian Economics was a huge departure from this. Keynes said that government should take an active role in managing the economy. In times of economic recession, the government should spend more money to stimulate output and try to keep wages high. In times of economic prosperity, the government should raise tax rates, thus siphoning money out of the economy, thus decreasing demand, thus decreasing output. The money brought in by higher taxes would be "set aside" for a rainy day, so to speak.
Thought questions:
In these ideas, you probably recognize the influence of Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations (1776).
- It is the highest impertinence and presumption… in kings and ministers, to pretend to watch over the economy of private people, and to restrain their expense... They are themselves always, and without any exception, the greatest spendthrifts in the society. Let them look well after their own expense, and they may safely trust private people with theirs. If their own extravagance does not ruin the state, that of their subjects never will.
- There is no art which one government sooner learns of another than that of draining money from the pockets of the people.
Keynesian Economics was a huge departure from this. Keynes said that government should take an active role in managing the economy. In times of economic recession, the government should spend more money to stimulate output and try to keep wages high. In times of economic prosperity, the government should raise tax rates, thus siphoning money out of the economy, thus decreasing demand, thus decreasing output. The money brought in by higher taxes would be "set aside" for a rainy day, so to speak.
Thought questions:
- How could a government stimulate output? Discuss...
- Why would raising tax rates decrease demand and output? Discuss...
Today, if you say you are "Keynesian", it's a way of saying you favor a big, centralized government.
New-Classical Economics advocates limiting the government's role. This view has been heavily influenced in the U.S. by economists such as Milton Friedman, Robert Lucas, and Thomas Sowell.
Milton Friedman quotations:
New-Classical Economics advocates limiting the government's role. This view has been heavily influenced in the U.S. by economists such as Milton Friedman, Robert Lucas, and Thomas Sowell.
Milton Friedman quotations:
- If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there'd be a shortage of sand.
- Nothing is so permanent as a temporary government program.
- Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself.
- Most economic fallacies derive from the tendency to assume that there is a fixed pie, that one party can gain only at the expense of another.
- Governments never learn. Only people learn.
- Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it.
- Inflation is taxation without legislation.
- The government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem.
- There's no such thing as a free lunch.
- I am favor of cutting taxes under any circumstances and for any excuse, for any reason, whenever it's possible.
- I have never understood why it is "greed" to want to keep the money you have earned but not greed to want to take somebody else's money.
- The first lesson of economics is scarcity: There is never enough of anything to satisfy all those who want it. The first lesson of politics is to disregard the first lesson of economics.
- Socialism is a wonderful idea. It is only as a reality that it has been disastrous. Among people of every race, color, and creed, all around the world, socialism has led to hunger in countries that used to have surplus food to export.... Nevertheless, for many of those who deal primarily in ideas, socialism remains an attractive idea -- in fact, seductive. Its every failure is explained away as due to the inadequacies of particular leaders.
Taxation
In the U.S., we have a progressive income tax. Look carefully below at the rates.
Class discussion:
In the U.S., we have a progressive income tax. Look carefully below at the rates.
Class discussion:
- Should we have a progressive-style tax system?
- What other options are there?
- Should we even have a federal income tax?
Mr. & Mrs. Taxpayer assignment
| 15._form_1040_income_tax_assignment1.docx |
| tax_package_1040_mr._mrs._taxpayer.pdf |
Tax assignment hint: Their taxable income (line 10 on Form 1040) will be between $65,000-70,000, their tax owed (line 11) will be between $7,000-8,000, and the amount of their refund (line 20a) will be between $3,000-5,000.
Our Founding Documents
Declaration of Independence
Reading
You will need to read the Declaration of Independence
From the National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-history
The "Law of Nature and Nature's God" was a common expression used by Montesquieu, Blackstone, Locke, and Sidney
Lecture outline
Homework
You will need to read the Declaration of Independence
From the National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-history
The "Law of Nature and Nature's God" was a common expression used by Montesquieu, Blackstone, Locke, and Sidney
Lecture outline
- The Declaration of Independence sets out to justify to the World the separation of the 13 Colonies from Great Britain. It was important to the Rebels to try to win over the other major World powers. The Colonies had already been at war with the Kingdom of Great Britain for more than a year.
- The Declaration listed 27 grievances against King George III, asserting natural and legal rights including the right of armed revolution.
- The 2nd sentence was made famous by President Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address (1863): "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
- The rough draft of the Declaration was written by Thomas Jefferson in about 17 days. Over the next few days, Congress made modifications to it, and shortened it by about 1/4th.
- It was completed on July 2nd, and ratified on July 4th, 1776.
Homework
- Declaration of Independence questions
- U.S. Citizenship Test
- Revolutionary War Battles class presentation
- "Communist Goals" presentation
| communist_goals_-_1963_congressional_record.pdf |
U.S. Constitution and the Separation of Powers
Reading
For this lesson you will need to read the Constitution. It isn't very long... (see link below)
You will also need to read about the "setting" or "historical context" (see link below)
The U.S. Constitution is here https://constitution.findlaw.com/articles.html
The historical background is here https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-constitution/
An 'explanation' of the Constitution is here https://www.britannica.com/topic/Constitution-of-the-United-States-of-America
For this lesson you will need to read the Constitution. It isn't very long... (see link below)
You will also need to read about the "setting" or "historical context" (see link below)
The U.S. Constitution is here https://constitution.findlaw.com/articles.html
The historical background is here https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-constitution/
An 'explanation' of the Constitution is here https://www.britannica.com/topic/Constitution-of-the-United-States-of-America
| constitution_of_the_united_states__annotated__7pp_-_findlaw.pdf |
| 17._constitution_lecture_notes.docx |
The U.S. Constitution contains two radical ideas:
- The central government only has limited, "enumerated" powers. Until this time, a government possessed every conceivable power except those specifically denied to it. The framers of the U.S. Constitution stood that idea on its head by granting the central government only enumerated powers. Anything not specifically enumerated in the Constitution is reserved for the States, or the citizens directly.
- The idea of "separation of powers". The new central government had its powers divided among three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This was and is a unique approach.
- Executive branch - the President - executes the laws
- Legislative branch - the Congress - makes the laws
- Judicial branch - the Courts - interprets the laws
- By contrast, a Parliamentary system (Britain, Canada, etc) combines the executive and legislative branches, and does not give the courts the power of judicial review (important!). In a Parliamentary system, the "Prime Minister" is just the head of all the lesser Ministers (Minister of Defense, Minister of Commerce, Minister of Education, etc), and a Prime Minister must "put together a government" soon after being elected - meaning they need to be able to assemble a majority of all the Parliament members. In the U.S. system, a President answers more directly (in theory) to the voters who put him/her in office.
Historical Context
The original 13 Colonies were ultimately governed by Great Britain through royal governors charted by the Crown. Americans considered themselves to have all the rights of Englishmen, even though they were separated by the vast Atlantic Ocean.
One of these rights was that taxes could only be imposed by your representatives in British Parliament (not by the King himself). Americans were outraged when the British Parliament began imposing taxes on them in order to pay for defending them against Indian raids and French incursions (the long & expensive "French and Indian War" had just ended around 1763). Americans had no representation in Parliament, so how could Parliament lawfully impose taxes on them? The British government countered this argument by saying that Americans had "virtual representation" in Parliament.... this was because representatives who were elected by British voters actually represented all Englishmen, no matter where in the far-flung Empire they might be located!
Revolt came in 1776, with the Declaration of Independence. During the Armed Revolution, the States cooperated with one another through the Continental Congress, a body of delegates from each of the Colonies. The Continental Congress would meet and decide how to conduct the War of Independence, and how to pay for it.
With General Cornwallis' surrender in 1781, the Articles of Confederation were created to form a loose confederation of "United States". The Articles of Confederation stipulated that each State retained its own sovereignty, freedom, and independence. The United States Congress had the power to make war, but had no power to tax or regulate commerce in any way.
The original 13 Colonies were ultimately governed by Great Britain through royal governors charted by the Crown. Americans considered themselves to have all the rights of Englishmen, even though they were separated by the vast Atlantic Ocean.
One of these rights was that taxes could only be imposed by your representatives in British Parliament (not by the King himself). Americans were outraged when the British Parliament began imposing taxes on them in order to pay for defending them against Indian raids and French incursions (the long & expensive "French and Indian War" had just ended around 1763). Americans had no representation in Parliament, so how could Parliament lawfully impose taxes on them? The British government countered this argument by saying that Americans had "virtual representation" in Parliament.... this was because representatives who were elected by British voters actually represented all Englishmen, no matter where in the far-flung Empire they might be located!
Revolt came in 1776, with the Declaration of Independence. During the Armed Revolution, the States cooperated with one another through the Continental Congress, a body of delegates from each of the Colonies. The Continental Congress would meet and decide how to conduct the War of Independence, and how to pay for it.
With General Cornwallis' surrender in 1781, the Articles of Confederation were created to form a loose confederation of "United States". The Articles of Confederation stipulated that each State retained its own sovereignty, freedom, and independence. The United States Congress had the power to make war, but had no power to tax or regulate commerce in any way.
Predictably, the Articles of Confederation did not work very well. All they did in essence was create a loose confederation of 13 independent nations. The different States gouged each other on trade and tariffs, the rates of exchange between their currencies constantly fluctuated and was almost impossible to track, and no one wanted to pay off the debts incurred to finance the Revolution. It could not continue...
By 1786, representatives from several large States resolved that a "General Convention" be held the following year in Philadelphia to address the problems.
Thus, the Constitutional Convention took place in the summer of 1787. The delegates set about designing an entirely new charter of government, which was given the name, "U.S. Constitution".
By 1786, representatives from several large States resolved that a "General Convention" be held the following year in Philadelphia to address the problems.
Thus, the Constitutional Convention took place in the summer of 1787. The delegates set about designing an entirely new charter of government, which was given the name, "U.S. Constitution".
Bill of Rights and Limits on Government Power
Reading
Read the Bill of Rights, posted below with notes that correspond to the lecture video.
Read the Bill of Rights, posted below with notes that correspond to the lecture video.
| Bill of Rights & subsequent Amendments__with lecture notes.docx |
The First Amendment: Case Brief
Choose a landmark 1st Amendment case (freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly) that interests you, research it, and write a 2-page "brief" on the case, using 11-pt font and 1.15 spacing. Here is a good place to start searching: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Supreme_Court_cases_involving_the_First_Amendment. There are lots and lots of very interesting 1st Amendment cases, covering all sorts of things! Find one that interests you.
STUDENT EXAMPLES:
Choose a landmark 1st Amendment case (freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly) that interests you, research it, and write a 2-page "brief" on the case, using 11-pt font and 1.15 spacing. Here is a good place to start searching: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Supreme_Court_cases_involving_the_First_Amendment. There are lots and lots of very interesting 1st Amendment cases, covering all sorts of things! Find one that interests you.
STUDENT EXAMPLES:
| lukumi_church_v._city_of_hialeah_1993__animal_sacrifice_is_protected_under_1st_amendment_.pdf |
| brandenburg_v._ohio_1969__kkk_clansman_speech_protected_under_1st_amendment_.docx |
| united_pentecostal_v._newsom_2020__covid_church_shutdown_a_violation_of_1st_amendment_.docx |
| florida_star_v._bjf_1989__newspaper_can_use_full_name_of_rape_victim_.pdf |
| carson_v._makin_2021_government_can_fund_religious_schools.pdf |
How to brief a case:
- Title and year of the case, as in: "___________ vs. __________, 2001"
- Facts of the case, as in, "In January, 2001, defendant Witherspoon was participating in a rally in which he was carrying a sign that said, "I Hate Cops", and generally minding his own business; when the Police Chief suddenly rode up on a horse, snatched the sign from his hands, and proceeded to.... (go into all the details... what happened?)"
- Issues or Questions of Law: What laws and/or Constitutional provisions come into play? How does the 1st or 2nd Amendment apply to the case? What is the applicable law? How does it pertain to the case?
- Decision: How did the court decide the case? Who won? Who wrote the decision? Who wrote the "dissent"? Summarize.
- Reasoning: What was the reasoning behind the court's final decision?
First Amendment - Campus Free Speech assignment
Freedom of Speech on college campuses is a hot issue right now! Some students say "offensive speech" is not "free speech".
Freedom of Speech on college campuses is a hot issue right now! Some students say "offensive speech" is not "free speech".
| campus_free_speech_assignment_ |
The following video shows a student being arrested after attempting to limit someone else's freedom of speech.
The student was offended by a sign being displayed on campus.
Listen carefully to the Free Speech argument given by the police officer.
The student was offended by a sign being displayed on campus.
Listen carefully to the Free Speech argument given by the police officer.
Background to the First Amendment:
The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech and religion.
Important! Notice that the First Amendment:
The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled (as recently as 2017) that "hate speech" is legally protected free speech under the First Amendment. In other words, citizens can march down the street with some pretty offensive signage, as long as they are not inciting people to commit a crime.
The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech and religion.
- "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Important! Notice that the First Amendment:
- Limits only "Congress". It doesn't limit "citizens" in any way! All it says is, "Congress shall make no law...."
- Stops Congress from making laws, it doesn't stop people from making statements... including hateful ones.
- Doesn't prevent citizens from saying rude things or offending people.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled (as recently as 2017) that "hate speech" is legally protected free speech under the First Amendment. In other words, citizens can march down the street with some pretty offensive signage, as long as they are not inciting people to commit a crime.
- Carrying a sign that says, "Abortionists are murderers" is probably not wise unless you are looking for a fight, but is protected speech.
- Carrying a sign that says, "Everyone should pick up a gun and go shoot an abortion Doctor" is inciting criminal action, and is not protected speech, and you will be arrested.
- Carrying a sign that knowingly lies, and falsely states, "Abortion Doctor so-and-so performs illegal abortions" would be defamation, and the Doctor can sue you in court for slander/defamation and you would have to pay damages.
- Pointing out the immoral or unethical (or even criminal) behavior of someone, as long as it is true, is not a crime. Again, the First Amendment limits what Congress can do, not what you can do... (just read it again!)
- Pointing out the immoral or criminal behavior of a "public figure" (the President, your Congressman, a famous Actor or Actress) is also not criminal speech, even if it's not true. Mocking and ridiculing the President is a time-honored American tradition! Read here...https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/06/abraham-lincoln-is-an-idiot/309304/
As recently as 2017, in Matal vs. Tam, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that there is no "hate speech" exception to the First Amendment.
- "...the proudest boast of our free speech jurisprudence is that we protect the freedom to express "the thought that we hate".
- You can read about it here... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech_in_the_United_States
| 18._how_the_second_amendment_works_to_prevent_tyranny.pdf |
The Second Amendment: Case Brief
Choose a landmark 2nd Amendment case (right to bear arms), research it, and write a 2-page "brief" on the case, using 11-pt font and 1.15 spacing. Search "Second amendment landmark cases" and you will get many cases to choose from. A very recent landmark 2nd Amendment case is "District of Columbia v. Heller" (self-defense of the home), which would be an excellent example. Another recent case is Caetano v. Massachusetts. (defendant carried around a "stun gun").
STUDENT EXAMPLES:
Choose a landmark 2nd Amendment case (right to bear arms), research it, and write a 2-page "brief" on the case, using 11-pt font and 1.15 spacing. Search "Second amendment landmark cases" and you will get many cases to choose from. A very recent landmark 2nd Amendment case is "District of Columbia v. Heller" (self-defense of the home), which would be an excellent example. Another recent case is Caetano v. Massachusetts. (defendant carried around a "stun gun").
STUDENT EXAMPLES:
| u.s._v._hayes__2009__wife_beating_and_firearm_possession_.docx |
| calif._rifle_association_v._becerra_2020__high_capacity_magazine_ban_.docx |
| peruta_v._sd_county_2016__denial_of_concealed_firearm_permit_.odt |
| mcdonald_v._chicago_2010__does_2nd_amendment_apply_to_states_?.pdf |
| district_of_columbia_v._heller_2008_total_ban_on_handguns not allowed |
The Fourteenth Amendment: Case Brief
Choose a landmark 14th Amendment case (right to privacy, due process, equal protection), research it, and write a 2-page "brief" on the case, using 11-pt font and 1.15 spacing. Landmark 14th Amendment cases would include Roe v. Wade (abortion), Obergefell v. Hodges (same-sex marriage), Brown v. Board of Education (segregation of schools), and Griswold v. Connecticut (created the "right to privacy"). Search "14th amendment landmark cases" and you will get many more.
Choose a landmark 14th Amendment case (right to privacy, due process, equal protection), research it, and write a 2-page "brief" on the case, using 11-pt font and 1.15 spacing. Landmark 14th Amendment cases would include Roe v. Wade (abortion), Obergefell v. Hodges (same-sex marriage), Brown v. Board of Education (segregation of schools), and Griswold v. Connecticut (created the "right to privacy"). Search "14th amendment landmark cases" and you will get many more.
| 2023 students_for_fair_admissions_v_harvard_14th_amendment (Universities can't use Race in admissions) |
Optional assignment: How the Second Amendment Prevents Tyranny
Write a 1-1/2 page summary of the article, "How the second amendment works to prevent tyranny", posted below, using 11-pt font and 1.15 spacing. In your analysis, specifically address: a) what are the arguments?, b) what is a "militia", c) what did Madison say in "Federalist #46"?, d) how would an armed populace protect against tyranny?.
Write a 1-1/2 page summary of the article, "How the second amendment works to prevent tyranny", posted below, using 11-pt font and 1.15 spacing. In your analysis, specifically address: a) what are the arguments?, b) what is a "militia", c) what did Madison say in "Federalist #46"?, d) how would an armed populace protect against tyranny?.