Philosophers & Political ides
This English philosopher described life in a "state of nature" as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" and advocated for an absolute sovereign
Who is Thomas Hobbes
A form of government ruled by the majority, where eligible citizens exercise power directly or through elected representatives
What is a Democracy
Signed in 1215 by King John, this historic English document established that the monarch was bound by the rule of law
What is the Magna Carta
The principal author of the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776
Who is Thomas Jefferson
The First 10 Amendments in the Constitution
What is the Bill of Rights
the active, nonviolent refusal to obey specific laws, demands, or government policies to bring about social or political change
What is Civil Disobedience
He argued that all individuals possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that government exists via a social contract to protect these rights
Who is John Locke
A political system where supreme power resides in the citizens who elect representatives, featuring an elected president rather than a monarch
What is a Republic
Drafted in 1620 off Cape Cod, this agreement established a "civil body politic" and the rule of "just and equal laws" among Pilgrims
What is the Mayflower Compact
The Declaration asserts that all human beings are endowed with these three unalienable natural rights
What are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
the right to freedom of religion, speech, the press, peaceful assembly, and petitioning the government
What is the First Amendment
In Federalist #10, James Madison argued that a large, extended republic is the best safeguard against these divisive interest groups
What are Factions
Italian Political philosopher and author of The Prince. arguing that it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved
Who is (Niccolò) Machiavelli
A system of government ruled by a small group of society's elite or wealthy nobility
What is an Aristocracy (or Oligarchy)
Enacted in 1689, this document limited royal power, guaranteed free speech in Parliament, and prohibited excessive bail
What is the English Bill of Rights
According to the Declaration, governments derive their just powers from this fundamental political principle
What is the Consent of the Governed
The system that enables each branch of government to limit or challenge the powers of the other two branches
What are Checks and Balances
What is Naturalization
He wrote "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains," advocating for direct democracy governed by the "general will"
Who is Jean-Jacques Rousseau
A decentralized alliance of independent state or regional governments that holds authority over a central government
What is a Confederation
Thomas Paine's 1776 widely read pamphlet written in plain language that openly called for American independence from Great Britain
What is Common Sense
If a government becomes destructive of natural rights, the Declaration asserts the people have this right
What is the Right to Alter or Abolish (or Revolt against) the Government
The opening statement of the U.S. Constitution that begins with "We the People" and sets forth the core goals of government
What is the Preamble
According to George Washington, this civic virtue requires citizens to be jealous of their rights and boldly defend them
What is Self-Assertion
Ancient Greek philosopher who asserted that "man is by nature a political animal" and warned that pure democracy could devolve into mob rule
Who is Aristotle
The key distinction between these two concepts is that one is the ability to get something done, while the other is the legitimate use of power
What are Power and Authority
This primary colonial grievance objected to Parliament levying taxes without colonial assemblies having a voice in government
What is "Taxation without Representation"
The constitutional principle dividing authority between the central national government and individual state governments
What is Federalism
The Constitutional Convention agreement creating a bicameral legislature with representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate
What is the Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)