Vocabulary
the idea that kings derive their authority from God, not from their subjects, and thus have absolute power to govern
Divine Right of Kings
America’s belief in EQUALITY is influenced by
Christian values
This philosopher introduced the idea of the Social Contract.
Thomas Hobbes
rights that cannot be taken away
Unalienable Rights
Beccaria's belief in no torture can be found WHERE in our Constitution?
8th Amendment
the idea that the legitimacy of a government stems from an unwritten contract between the ruler and the ruled; a ruler who breaks this contract by abusing people's rights loses legitimacy and may be overthrown
Social Contract Theory
America’s REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY is influenced by
The Ancient Romans
This philosopher introduced the idea of natural rights – life, liberty, and ownership of property
John Locke
Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law
separation of powers
Voltaire's belief in freedom of religion can be found WHERE in our Constitution?
1st Amendment?
the quality of being accepted as an authority.
Legitimacy
The intellectual movement of the 1600’s and 1700’s that stressed the value of science and reason over faith
The Enlightenment
Known for his concept of "the general will"
Rousseau
Checks and Balances
English common law states that NO ONE is above the law, not even the king. Where in our Constitution is that found?
Article 2, Section 4
A system of government in which citizens elect representatives, or leaders, to make decisions about the laws for all the people.
Representative Government
The belief that NO ONE is above the law comes from...
English Common Law
This philosopher argued for the separation of powers in the form of THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Montesquieu
A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society
Constitution
John Locke's belief in the power of government coming from the people is found WHERE in our Constitution?
The Preamble to the US Constitution.
rights that all people have by virtue of being human
Natural Rights
Direct Democracy
The Ancient Greeks
Free Speech
Voltaire
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Identify TWO WAYS that a branch of government can CHECK another.
The belief in equality as expressed by Christian teachings, can be found WHERE in our governing documents?
The opening lines of the Declaration of Independence
We hold these truths to be self-evident - all men are created equal.