Theories of Government
This theory states that governments were created when a population was forced to submit to the rule of a single person or small group.
What is Force theory?
This French philosopher advocated for dividing government authority into separate branches to prevent tyranny.
Who is Baron de Montesquieu?
The supreme, absolute power and authority of a state to govern itself within its borders.
What is sovereignty?
Under the Articles of Confederation, the majority of government power rested with these entities rather than the national government.
What are the States?
The name of the opening statement of the US Constitution that outlines the goals and purpose of the government.
What is the preamble?
This theory holds that government naturally grew out of the family unit, eventually expanding into clans and tribes.
What is Evolutionary theory?
This philosopher believed people were naturally selfish and needed a strong, absolute ruler to maintain order.
Who is Thomas Hobbes?
A form of government in which a single ruler holds absolute, unrestricted power.
What is Autocracy?
The national government under the Articles of Confederation considered... (weak or strong).
What is weak?
Article 1 of the US Constitution outlines the powers and duties of this branch of government.
What is the Legislature?
This theory argues that rulers receive their authority and right to govern directly from a god or deity.
What is Divine Right theory?
John Locke argued that all people are born with these three fundamental rights.
What is Life, Liberty, and Property?
A government system where a small group of elites holds power.
What is an Oligarchy?
This 1786 armed uprising of farmers in Massachusetts highlighted the severe weaknesses of the central government under the Articles.
What is Shay's Rebellion?
Articles 2 & 3 of the Constitution establish these two respective branches.
What is the Executive and Legislative Branch?
This theory suggests that people voluntarily agree to give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection, order, and safety.
What is the Social Contract theory?
This early feminist philosopher argued that women should have equal educational opportunities as men.
Who is Mary Wallstonecraft?
To formally accuse or charge a public official with misconduct while in office.
What is Impeach or Impeachment?
Name two major weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation.
What is: no ability to tax, no executive, no court system, inability to regulate trade, no common currency, couldn't raise an army.
This constitutional principle gives each branch of government ways to limit or control the power of the other two branches.
What are Checks and Balances?
The four key features that define a political state.
What is population, territory, sovereignty, and government?
Signed in 1215, this historical English document established the idea that the power of a monarch or ruler is limited.
What is the Magna Carta?
The economic system in which the government owns and controls the primary means of production and distribution of goods.
What is socialism or communism
This group strongly supported ratifying the new Constitution, arguing that a strong national government was necessary to keep order.
Who are the Federalists?
The total number of amendments to the US Constitution and The name of the first ten amendments.
What are 27 and the bill of right?