Philosophers
Who was Thomas Hobbes? What did he believe?
This philosopher believed people were naturally selfish and life without government would be "nasty, brutish, and short."
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This document officially declared American independence from Britain in 1776.
Where and when was the Constitutional Convention held?
Philadelphia hosted the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
What are the 3 branches of government?
Judicial, Executive, Legislative
How many amendments make up the Bill of Rights?
10
Who is John Locke? What did he believe?
He coined the phrase "life, liberty, and property" and believed people had natural rights.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
America's first constitution that created a weak central government and gave most power to the states.
What is the Great Compromise?
This compromise created a bicameral legislature with the House based on population and the Senate with equal representation.
What is the legislative branch?
This branch of government has the power to make laws and includes both the House and Senate.
What is the first amendment? Name each of the five things it protects.
This amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
Who is Baron de Montesquieu? What did he believe?
This French nobleman created the idea of separation of powers to prevent the government from becoming too powerful.
What are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
These are the three unalienable rights mentioned in the Declaration of Independence.
What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?
This compromise counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.
What are checks and balances?
This system allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches.
What is the Fourth Amendment?
This amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Who is Jean-Jacques Rousseau? What did he believe?
This philosopher believed in the "general will" and that the government should follow the people's collective wishes.
What is Shays' Rebellion?
This uprising of Massachusetts farmers exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Who is James Madison?
Known as the "Father of the Constitution," this delegate came to the convention well-prepared with detailed plans
What is federalism?
This principle divides power between the national government and state governments.
What are civil liberties?
This term describes basic freedoms that are protected from government interference.
What is the State of Nature?
This is the term for the imaginary situation where people live without any government or laws.
What is the Preamble? What does it do? What are the first few words of it?
This is the introduction to the Constitution that begins with "We the People" and states the goals of government.
What is the Virginia Plan?
Large states supported this plan that called for representation in Congress based on population.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
This clause in Article VI makes the Constitution the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws when they conflict.
What is the Sixth Amendment?
This amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by jury in criminal cases.