Influences on American Government
This Enlightenment thinker believed people have natural rights like life, liberty, and property.
Who is John Locke?
This document was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This 1787 meeting was held in Philadelphia to fix the Articles of Confederation.
What is the Constitutional Convention?
These first 10 amendments protect individual rights and freedoms.
What is the Bill of Rights?
This 1215 document limited the power of the English king and supported the rule of law.
What is the Magna Carta?
This was America’s first national government after independence.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
This compromise created a two-house Congress.
What is the Great Compromise?
This part of the Constitution introduces the document and explains its purpose.
What is the Preamble?
This thinker believed a strong leader was necessary to maintain order under a social contract.
Who is Thomas Hobbes?
This was a rallying cry for the American Revolution, as well as once of the grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence.
What is "no taxation without representation"?
In Congress, this chamber has two members per state.
What is the Senate?
This principle means that each branch of government have powers that can hold the others accountable.
What is checks and balances?
This ancient system allowed citizens to vote directly on laws.
What is Greek democracy?
The Declaration of Independence states that government gets its power from this.
What is the consent of the governed?
This compromise counted 3 out of every 5 enslaved people for population and taxes.
What is the three-fifths compromise?
This principle divides power between national and state governments.
What is federalism?
This philosopher argued for separation of powers to prevent tyranny.
Who is Montesquieu?
This event showed the weaknesses of the Articles and the need for a stronger government.
What is Shays's Rebellion?
This group supported ratification of the Constitution.
Who are the Federalists?
This principle allows courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
What is judicial review?