Fundamental Principles
The government is not all powerful
Limited Government
This document declared the American colonies independent from Great Britain
The Declaration of Independence
The introduction paragraph of the Constitution which explains the goals and purposes of the government
The Preamble
Someone who legally belongs to a country
Citizen
This amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
First Amendment
Power is divided between the national and state governments
Federalism
This English document established the idea that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law
Magna Carta
This system of government allows citizens to participate by voting and having a voice in how they are governed
Democracy or Representative Government
This civic responsibility allows citizens to help choose government leaders
Voting
This amendment guarantees due process and protects against self-incrimination
Fifth Amendment
The government gets its power from the people
Consent of the Governed or Popular Sovereignty
This document served as a model for the U.S. Bill of Rights
Virginia Declaration of Rights
The idea that laws apply equally to everyone is known as this concept
Rule of law
The legal process by which an immigrant becomes a citizen of the United States
Naturalization
This amendment ensures equal protection under the law and defines U.S. citizenship
Fourteenth Amendment
This prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the others.
Checks and Balances
This first plan of government created a weak national government with no strong executive
Articles of Confederation
This constitutional concept ensures fair treatment through the legal system
Due Process
Most male citizens register for this when they turn 18
Selective Service
This amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures
Fourth Amendment
Government power is divided among three branches to prevent abuse of power
Separation of Powers
This document written by Thomas Jefferson established religious freedom and separation of church and state
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
This power allows the Supreme Court to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional
Judicial Review
The final step in the naturalization process
Taking the Oath of Allegiance
The first ten amendments to the Constitution
The Bill of Rights