Enlightenment
Which Enlightenment thinker wrote about “natural rights” to life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
What does “rule of law” mean?
No one, including the government, is above the law
What is the name of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution?
The Bill of Rights
Which branch can veto laws passed by Congress?
Executive branch (President)
What powers are reserved to the states under the 10th Amendment?
Any powers not delegated to the federal government
What is the idea that government’s power comes from the consent of the governed?
Popular sovereignty
The idea that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person is called what?
Due process
Which document replaced the Articles of Confederation and established a stronger federal government?
The U.S. Constitution
Which branch can declare laws unconstitutional?
Judicial branch (Supreme Court)
What term describes shared power between national and state governments?
Federalism
Montesquieu’s idea of dividing government power into branches is called what?
Separation of powers
What type of law is created through court decisions and precedents?
Common law
What clause makes the Constitution the “supreme law of the land”?
The Supremacy Clause
Which branch has the power to impeach the President or judges?
Legislative branch (Congress)
Which freedom allows people to gather in protest or meetings?
Freedom of assembly
Rousseau’s idea that people agree to follow laws for the good of society is known as what?
The social contract
What type of law is passed by legislatures such as Congress or state assemblies?
Statutory law
What is required for a constitutional amendment to be ratified?
Approval by 3/4 of state legislatures or conventions
The Senate’s power to approve treaties and appointments is an example of what? (Which branch checks which other branch?)
A legislative check on the executive branch
What is the main purpose of having an independent judiciary?
To interpret laws fairly and without political influence
Which Enlightenment idea argued that people should choose a small number of citizens to make laws and govern on their behalf?
Representative government (or republicanism)
What does “equality before the law” mean in practice?
All people are treated fairly under the same legal system, regardless of status or identity
Why did the framers make the amendment process intentionally rigorous?
To ensure stability while allowing for change through broad national agreement
Why is the system of checks and balances essential to limited government?
It prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful
What are the five freedoms of the First Amendment? (You must get them all, and exactly as they are written.)
1. Speech
2. Press
3. Assembly
4. Petition
5. Religion