"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." is a famous phrase from this document.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
100
This founding father wrote that it was irrational for an island country the size of Britain to hold dominion over an entire continent.
Who is Thomas Paine?
100
This first attempt of government by the Americans contained too many weaknesses to be sustainable.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
100
This chamber of Congress has equal representation for each state.
What is the Senate?
100
All the activities by which citizens attempt to influence the selection of political leaders and the policies they pursue.
What is political participation?
200
This philosopher wrote "The Second Treatise of Civil Government" which profoundly influenced American political leaders.
Who is John Locke?
200
This founding father was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.
Who was Thomas Jefferson?
200
This plan for representation called for each state to be equally represented in Congress.
What is the New Jersey Plan?
200
The Constitution creates this kind of government.
What is a republic?
200
Political channels through which people's concerns become political issues on the policy agenda.
What are linkage institutions?
300
Theory that emphasizes that the policymaking process is very open to the participation of all groups with shared interests, with no single group usually dominating.
What is pluralism?
300
This founding father was often called "the first civilized American."
Who was Benjamin Franklin?
300
This compromised determined how slaves would be counted for purposes of representation in Congress.
What is the three-fifths compromise?
300
The Bill of Rights was passed as fulfillment of a promise made to this group.
Who are the Anti-federalists?
300
This is a system of shared power between units of government.
What is federalism?
400
This term refers to the belief that there are certain rights that are inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property.
What are natural rights?
400
These three founding fathers worked together to create a series of essays known as the Federalist Papers.
Who are James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay?
400
This term prohibits Congress or the states from passing laws that would punish people for acts that were not illegal when the act was committed.
What are ex post facto laws?
400
This requires a proposal from Congress and ratification by state legislatures.
What is the amendment process?
400
This is when all power resides in the central government.
What is a unitary government?
500
This term refers to the belief that there must be clear restrictions on what rulers can do.
What is limited government?
500
This founding father is often referred to as the father of the Constitution.
Who is James Madison?
500
This article of the Constitution outlines states' powers in relationship to each other.
What is article IV?
500
This requires the testimony of two witnesses or an open confession in court.
What is treason?
500
This authorizes Congress to pass all laws necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated powers.