Enlightenment Thinkers
Who believed humans are naturally selfish and need a strong government?
Thomas Hobbes
What slogan expressed colonists’ frustration with taxes imposed by Britain?
“No taxation without representation”
What document officially declared the colonies independent from Great Britain?
Declaration of Independence
What is the main job of the legislative branch?
Makes laws
Which plan favored large states with representation based on population?
Virginia Plan
Who believed people are born with natural rights like life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
Name one way the British government violated colonists’ rights.
Examples: quartering soldiers, unfair taxes, no representation in Parliament
What was the first rough draft of a government for the 13 colonies called?
Articles of Confederation
What is the main job of the executive branch?
Enforces laws
Which plan favored small states with equal representation?
New Jersey Plan
What is the term Hobbes used to describe life without government?
“State of Nature”
List one reason why colonists wanted self-government.
To make their own laws and decisions
Which document is considered the supreme law of the United States?
Constitution
What is the main job of the judicial branch?
Interprets laws
What compromise created a two-house legislature?
Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
According to Locke, what can people do if a government fails to protect their natural rights?
Overthrow or change the government
Give three reasons the American colonies decided to break away from Great Britain.
Taxes, lack of representation, violation of rights
What document contains the first 10 amendments to the Constitution?
Bill of Rights
Name one way the legislative branch can check the executive branch.
Override a veto, approve appointments, or impeach president
How were enslaved people counted toward representation in Congress?
As 3/5 of a person (3/5 Compromise)
Compare Hobbes’ and Locke’s view on human nature and government.
Hobbes: humans are selfish, need strong government; Locke: humans have natural rights, government should protect them
Explain how these causes showed Britain was not protecting colonists’ natural rights.
Britain ignored rights like life, liberty, and property, so colonists felt their government was oppressive
Describe the main purpose of the Preamble, Articles, and Amendments.
Preamble: goals of government; Articles: structure and powers; Amendments: changes or additions
Explain why the Founding Fathers created a system of checks and balances.
To prevent any branch from becoming too powerful and protect individual freedoms
Why was the Great Compromise important for creating the Constitution?
It satisfied both large and small states, allowing the Constitution to be ratified