Changes

Between 1776 and 1788, the United States was governed according to the [[Articles of Confederation]].  The [[Founding Fathers]] formally established the current structure of the United States by ratification of the [[U.S. Constitution]] in 1788. Since 1789, that constitution has been the basic governing document.  

Between 1776 and 1788, the United States was governed according to the [[Articles of Confederation]].  The [[Founding Fathers]] formally established the current structure of the United States by ratification of the [[U.S. Constitution]] in 1788. Since 1789, that constitution has been the basic governing document.  

Sovereignty in America comes from the citizenry, and the basic political values are based on both republican and democratic ideas, especially the commitment to civic virtue and civic duty, and opposition to corruption and aristocracy.  The United States invented popular parties in the 1790s; currently the two major political parties are the [[Democratic Party]], and the [[Republican Party]]. Minor parties are of little importance.

Sovereignty in America comes from the citizenry, and the basic political values are called "[[republicanism]]," especially the commitment to civic virtue and civic duty, and opposition to corruption and aristocracy.  The United States invented popular parties in the 1790s; currently the two major political parties are the [[Democratic Party]], and the [[Republican Party]]. Minor parties are of little importance.

=== The Role of Religion in Government ===

=== The Role of Religion in Government ===