Tyranny Dbq Analysis

The definition of tyranny is when the government or person has too much power and abuses it. When the constitution was made, seven principles were put in place to protect against such things as tyranny. Three of these principles include popular sovereignty, individual rights, and checks and balances.
Popular sovereignty is when the citizens determine what happens within their country. This is shown in our current government by allowing all citizens who are of voting age to be able to vote and have a voice in the decision-making going on within the country. An example of this is written in amendment nine when it states, “The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people” (The Constitution) This is an example of popular sovereignty because this quote states that the power of the people can not be denied or limited. Another example of this is in Document I which states, “The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people” (11). This protects
Individual rights and liberties that each person has, for example the freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. This is demonstrated in our constitution amendment 1, which talks about how the government can not create laws or make decisions that limit or take away individual rights. An example of this is in the case of Tinker vs Des Moines, which is used in Document H stating, “ It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate” (10). This is a statement made by Justice Fortas talking about the rights that students and teachers, and how they should be able to keep and use these rights in and out of school. The principle of individual rights prevents tyranny from happening by allowing all citizens to be able to voice their opinion without