Philosophical Influences
This ancient civilization is known for developing direct democracy.
Greece
This 1776 document explained why the colonies broke away from Britain.
Declaration of Independence
The idea that government gets power from the people.
Popular Sovereignty
State powers are also known as...
Reserved Powers
A system of government in which power comes from the people
Democracy
This civilization inspired the idea of a republic with elected representatives.
Rome
America’s first government under this document was too weak
Articles of Confederation
The principle that government power must be restricted.
Limited Government
Powers shared by state and federal governments
Concurrent Powers
everyone must follow the law, including leaders
Rule of Law
This Enlightenment thinker argued for natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
John Locke
This document created the structure of the U.S. government in 1787.
US Constitution
When branches can stop each other from becoming too powerful.
Checks and Balances
Given for a specific purpose and often comes with strings attached
Categorical Grant
A period emphasizing reason and individual rights
Enlightenment
This philosopher supported separation of powers into three branches.
Montesquieu
These first ten amendments protect individual freedoms.
Bill of Rights
Dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Separation of Powers
Given for a broader purpose, fewer restrictions.
Block Grant
agreement between people and government
Social Contract
This thinker believed people form a social contract to create government.
Rousseau
These essays were written to support ratification of the Constitution.
Federalists Papers
Freedoms protected from government interference.
Individual liberties
Why did the Founders Establish a Federal System?
To avoid tyranny
Government authority comes from the people
Consent of the governed