Foundational Documents
This document limited the power of the monarchy, gave citizens the right to trial by jury, and limited the King's power to tax
The Magna Carta
This act was a British law that placed a tax on printed colonial products (paper products)
The Stamp Act
Branches of government can restrict each others' powers
Checks and Balances
The right to bear arms
Second Amendment
Protects against the quartering of soldiers
Third Amendment
This document was the thirteen colonies' statement regarding their intention to be sovereign and no longer ruled by the British crown
The Declaration of Independence
A British law that required colonists to supply the basic needs of British soldiers-- 3rd Amendment protects Americans from this
The Quartering Act
Government powers restricted by the people
Limited Government
Freedom of speech, press, religion, petition, and assembly
1st Amendment
Unmentioned Rights
9th Amendment
This document, ratified in 1781, is considered the supreme law of the land
The U.S. Constitution
This Act forced colonists to buy tea only from the British East Indian Company
The Tea Act
Powers shared between federal and state government
Federalism
Reserved powers of the states (e.g. marriage, education, divorce, professional certification)
10th Amendment
Protects against self-incrimination; due process of law, grand jury, eminent domain, and double jeopardy (I plead the ______)
The Fifth Amendment
The first colonial constitution- a social contract of the Pilgrims
The Mayflower Compact
Act of Parliament declaring its right to tax legislate over colonies without colonial representation
The Declaratory Act
Dividing the powers of the govt. among the executive, legislative, and judicial powers
Separation of Powers
Protection against cruel and unusual punishment; excessive bail
8th Amendment
Privacy Act (search warrant) protection against illegal searches and seizures
4th Amendment
The author of the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson
Common Sense
The notion that the power of the government comes from the people (consent of the governed)
Popular Sovereignty
7th Amendment
Speedy and public trial, right to attorney
6th Amendment