Foundations
What is a democratic republic?
A democratic republic is a government where citizens govern through elected representatives.
Who was John Locke?
An English philosopher who believed in natural rights (life, liberty, property) and that government’s power comes from the consent of the governed.
What is direct democracy?
A form of government where the people directly make laws and decisions.
What is the English Bill of Rights?
A 1689 agreement limiting the monarchy’s power and guaranteeing rights like free elections and petitioning the government.
What is the role of citizens in a democracy?
to participate by voting and holding government accountable.
Name one principle concept of American democracy.
Popular sovereignty
Equality of All
Natur Rights
Rule of Law
Self-government
Consent of the government
Due Process
Necessity of Compromise
Majority Rule
Minority Rights
Name one European thinker who influenced American government.
Fundamental Political Principles
European Political Thinkers
American Document
Limited Government
John Locke
Declaration of Independence
Constitution of Virginia
Constitution of US
Government’s authority coming only from the governed (consent of the governed)
John Locke
Thomas Hobbes
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Constitution of Virginia
Constitution of US
Separation of power
Montesquieu
Articles of Confederation
Constitution of Virginia
Constitution of US
All men are created equal (Natural born rights)
John Locke
Rousseau
Articles of Confederation Declaration of Independence
Government is based on an agreement between the people and their rules (social contract)
John Locke
Rousseau
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
People have the right to life, liberty, and property (natural born rights)
John Locke
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
What is a constitutional monarchy?
A monarchy limited by laws where the monarch’s powers are mostly ceremonial.
What was the purpose of the Virginia Company charters?
To authorize the establishment of colonies and extend English rights to colonists.
What are natural rights?
Rights people are born with, such as life, liberty, and property.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson was the primary author, with contributions from James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.
What did Montesquieu advocate for?
Separation of powers among three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
Define representative democracy.
A government where people elect representatives to make laws and operate the government.
Name two rights guaranteed by the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
Freedom of religion and freedom of the press.Basis of Bill of Rights
Define due process.
Legal protection against arbitrary loss of life, liberty, or property.
What is popular sovereignty?
The idea that political power belongs to the people, who express their will through voting.
power is from the people (voting)
What is the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy?
A union of six Native American nations governed by the Great Law of Peace, emphasizing consensus and checks and balances.
What is an oligarchy?
A government ruled by a few people, often based on wealth or power.
What does the Constitution establish?
A government with limited powers, divided into three branches with checks and balances, based on popular sovereignty.
Explain one of our mottos.
El Pluridbus Unum- "Out of One, Many"- Symbolizes unity in diversity as 13 colonies became one nation,
In God We Trust- Adopted during the Cold War Era to emphasize spiritual and moral values, recognized as a national motto expressing share cultural beliefs,
We the people- The cornerstone of American democracy- government is accountable to the people and that legitimacy is derived from the consent of the governed Foundations
What is the significance of the Magna Carta?
It was the first document to limit the power of the monarch and guarantee fundamental rights such as trial by jury and due process.
How did Rousseau's ideas impact American democracy?
He promoted the idea that all men are created equal and supported popular sovereignty and collective decision-making
What is the difference between a federal and unitary system?
In a federal system, power is shared between national and state governments; in a unitary system, all power is held by a central government.
How did the Articles of Confederation fail?
It created a weak central government with no power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws.
Two Values described by de Tocqueville as American identity and political culture
Liberty-Freedoms of individuals to make their own choices and participate in the political process ,
Egalitarianism-Emphasizes the belief in equality among citizens with equal rights and opportunities under the law
Individualism-Highlights the importance of independence and self-reliance
Populism-Values the power and influence of common people shaping government and society
Laissez-faire- Economic principle that advocates for minimal government intervention in the economy (“hands off”)