Foundational Documents
What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
explain and justify the reasons for separating from Britain
__________ favored a strong central government, while ___________ oppose a strong central government.
Federalists, Anti-federalists
What form of government do people decide on laws and policies?
direct democracy
According to John Locke, what are your natural rights?
life, liberty and property
Who did the Three-Fifths Compromise count as 3/5 of a person?
enslaved peoples
What document created a "league of friendship" that was guided by state sovereignty?
Articles of Confederation
What principle of the Constitution is demonstrated by having three branches of government, each with their own power and independence?
separation of powers
In what form of government do people elect representatives to make decisions for them?
republic (representative democracy)
to protect rights
What terms describes a two-house congress?
bicameral
What document formerly expressed individual liberties like the right to bear arms and freedom of speech?
English Bill of Rights
What principle states that government is not all powerful?
limited government
How do democratic governments and authoritarian governments differ in terms of power distribution?
democratic (people)
authoritarian (single leader)
What Enlightenment philosopher called for separating governmental powers in order to prevent tyrannical governments?
Montesquieu
What clause states the Constitution is "supreme law of the land"?
Supremacy Clause
The Mayflower Compact was the first form of __________ in the United States.
self-government
What principle states that no one is above the law?
rule of law
constitutional monarchy
What origin of state theory describes the beginning of the United States?
social contract theory
What rebellion revealed the failure of the Articles?
Shays Rebellion
What idea was introduced in the Magna Carta that stated no one was above the law?
rule of law
What principle states that people are the ultimate source of authority?
popular sovereignty
In a unitary state, where does all power reside? Give an example,
one central location
absolute monarchy, dictatorship, etc.
What documents were written to win support for the Constitution?
Federalist Papers
What are the four characteristics of a state?
Population
Territory
Government
Sovereignty