Foundations of Govt
This is the form of government in which ONE leader has total control over citizens' lives.
autocracy/dictator
The document that proclaimed the colonies' independence from Britain.
declaration of ind
The concept that government gets its authority from the people and that ultimate political power remains with the people.
popular sovereignty
Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution.
implied powers
The document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the laws that govern society.
constitution
System where independent states join forces by forming a central government, called a confederation.
confederation
The first constitution of the United States.
articles of confederation
The duties of government are divided among 3 branches; legislative, executive, and judical.
seperation of powers
powers the Constitution does not grant to the National Government and does not deny to the States automatically go to the states.
reserved powers
A form of government in which citizens rule directly, not through representatives.
direct democracy
this is an agreement in which people agree to give up some rights and power, in exchange for government protection
social contract theory
The royal charter given to King John in 1215 that limited a King's power.
magna carta
This was added to the Constitution in order to give more power to the people.
bill of rights
powers granted to the fedeal govt that are expressley stated in the contitution
expressed powers
A plan of government that proposed population should determine delegation in legislature.
virginia plan
System that divides power over people and territory between a national government and smaller, regional levels of government.
federal system
A PLAN for a bicameral legislature where the lower house is based on population and the upper house has equal representation regardless of population.
great compromise
The system that gives each branch of government the power to change or cancel acts of another branch.
checks and balances
powers that both the National Government and the States possess and exercise
concurrent powers
The group that opposed the constitution before its ratification.
anti-federalists
This means the ability to rule absolutely within a territory, and that no other country can interfere with one's government.
sovereignty
the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include life, liberty, and property.
natural rights
The powers of government are distributed between antional government and state government.
federalism
A system of government in which both the states and national government remain supreme with their own spheres or areas and policies.
dual federalism
This is a government in which just a small number of people rule.