Fundamental Principles
The government is NOT all powerful and may only do the things the people have given it the power to do.
Limited Government
This document was signed on July 4th, 1776 and affirmed that all people have "unalienable rights" and that "all people are created equal".
Declaration of Independence
Which document served as our nation's first form of government but was so weak that it led the founders to write the U.S. Constitution?
The Articles of Confederation
What is the name for the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution?
The Bill of Rights
Individual protection against unfair and/or illegal government action.
Due Process
System of government where power is divided between the state and national governments.
Federalism
This document established the principle of "rule of law" where everyone, including the king, has to follow the law. It also granted basic rights to Englishmen.
The Magna Carta
What is the name of the legal system, based on historical customs and court rulings, that heavily influenced the writing of our U.S. Constitution?
English Common Law
The U.S. Constitution guarantees ___________ under the law and _____________ rule.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees EQUALITY under the law and MAJORITY rule.
Citizens elect officials to make laws and govern on their behalf
Representative Government
Citizens elect representatives to make laws and decisions on their behalf and govern according to the law.
Republicanism
This document served as model for the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Which political faction, during the Constitutional Convention, argued against the new constitution, because they feared the new government would become too powerful and the document lacked a Bill of Rights?
The Anti-Federalists
"We the People" are the first three words of the _____________, or the introduction to the U.S. Constitution.
Dividing government power into three separate branches (legislative, executive, and judicial).
Separation of Powers
System of government where each branch can limit the power of the other branches.
Checks and Balances
This document gave the basic rights of the English to the colonists and helped establish the principle of self-governance in the colonies.
The Charters of the VA Company of London
What is the name of the compromise that was reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature?
The Great Compromise
Which purpose of government mentioned in the Preamble refers to our government establishing and providing for a military?
"provide for the common defense"
Protected by the 5th amendment, this right allows individuals to own property
Right to Private Property
The belief that the power for the government comes from the consent of the people.
Popular Sovereignty
This document affirmed people's freedom of religious belief and established the principle of separation of church and state.
VA Statute for Religious Freedom
Which compromise, during the Constitutional Convention, allowed slave states to count their enslaved people as 3/5ths a whole person for population and taxation.
The 3/5ths Compromise
Which purpose of government mentioned in the Preamble refers to our government promoting the wellbeing and happiness for all people?
"promote the general welfrare"
Requires the government to apply laws equally to all people, preventing discrimination and supporting civil rights protections.
Equal Protection