Forms and Systems
The central government and the state/local governments share power
Federalism
A document created by the American colonists explaining their reasons for declaring independence from Britain
Declaration of Independence
This event was a direct response to the Tea Act, and landed the city of Boston in some hot water with the British
Boston Tea Party
Proposed the idea of Seperation of Powers in government
Montesquieu
No one person is above the law; everyone is held accountable to the law
Rule of Law
A king or ruler has only as much control over the government and country as a constitution will allow
Limited Monarchy
The first self-government in the American colonies, served as an example for future governments
Mayflower Compact
Farmers in Massachussetts rose up and spread fear and chaos after courts began foreclosing their farms; this was the final straw for the Articles of Confederation
Shays' Rebellion
A group the favored and supported the new U.S. Constitution and a strong central government
Federalists
The birthplace of Democracies, this ancient civilization inspired the founders with many of its' ideas on government
Ancient Greece
A system where power is held by the central government, and all government offices are part of the central government
Unitary
Created by Thomas Paine, it encouraged the colonists to consider the idea of independence from Britain
Common Sense
The final step to the naturalization process to become a citizen of the U.S.
Oath of Allegiance
Proposed the ideas of natural rights, natural law, and social contract
John Locke
People give the government power, and in return, the government protects the rights and liberties of the people
Social Contract
A few individuals or a minority is in charge of a country
Oligarchy
A document created in 1689, it encouraged a form of government where the rights and liberties of individuals were protected
English Bill of Rights
A meeting to discuss changes to the Articles of Confederation, it instead led to the new U.S. Constitution
Constitutional Convention
A group that prefered a weaker central government, but would accept the Constitution if there was a Bill of Rights included
Anti-Federalists
Seperation of Powers, checks and balances, and rule of law originated in this ancient civilization
Ancient Rome
A single person rules a country with complete power, usually after taking control
Autocracy (Dictator)
King John was forced to sign this document in 1215 and required him to acknowledge the rights of the nobility
Magna Carta
A period of intellectual and scientific advancement, it led to the creation of many ideas and changes in government
Enlightenment
This group made most of the controversial laws and taxes that led to the colonists declaring independence
Parliament (Britian)
The morals and justice system that influenced the founders, including ethical ideas about justice, fairness, equality, and the value of individuals
Judeo-Christian Influences