Philosophers' Ideas
Montesquieu’s philosophy argued that the best way to prevent tyranny was to do this.
What is separate the powers of government?
The purpose of the Constitutional Convention was to revise this document.
What is the Articles of Confederation?
This document was created in 1787 to replace the Articles of Confederation and form a more effective government.
What is the U.S. Constitution?
The American Revolution was fought in response to this practice, which was seen as unjust by the colonies.
What is taxation without representation?
This amendment to the Constitution, protects freedoms such as speech, religion, and the press.
What is the First Amendment?
This philosopher believed that government should be based on the "general will" of the people.
Who is Jean-Jacques Rousseau?
This was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation, as it left the federal government unable to raise money.
What is lacking the power to tax?
This principle, established by the Constitution, ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful.
What is checks and balances?
This document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, explained why the colonies wanted to break away from Britain.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to protect individual freedoms and limit this.
What is the power of the government?
Montesquieu argued that these three branches should exist in government.
What are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
This compromise was responsible for the creation of a bicameral legislature.
What is the Great Compromise?
This branch of government is responsible for interpreting laws.
What is the judicial branch?
Most American colonies were eventually reverted back to this type of government.
What is Royal Government?
This amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures.
What is the Fourth Amendment?
This philosopher’s ideas on the social contract influenced the founding fathers of the U.S., including Thomas Jefferson.
Who is John Locke?
Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government could not do this, making it difficult to settle disputes between states.
What is enforce laws?
This system divides power between a national government and state governments.
What is federalism?
This form of colonial government was the most democratic, and influenced the eventual formation of the U.S. government.
What is Charter?
This amendment allows for citizens to not incriminate themselves by answering questions.
The Fifth.
Rousseau’s concept of the general will suggests that citizens should have a direct role in this process.
What is creating laws?
This event revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger central government.
What is Shay's Rebellion?
This principle, which divides government power into three branches, was introduced to prevent tyranny.
What is the Separation of Powers?
This event, occurring in 1770, escalated tensions between the American colonies and Britain and became a symbol of British oppression.
What is the Boston Massacre?
The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not given to the federal government for this group.
Who are the states?