Principles
The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.
What is popular sovereignty?
The Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch.
What are the three branches of government?
A document declaring the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule, adopted on July 4, 1776.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental interference.
What are civil liberties?
Philosophers who emphasized reason and individualism, such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau, influencing democratic thought.
Who were the enlightenment thinkers?
A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful, as each branch can limit the powers of the others.
What are the checks and balances?
To enforce and implement laws, headed by the President.
What is the role of the Executive Branch?
A document declaring the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule, adopted on July 4, 1776.
What is the Constitution
Civil rights refer to the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment under the law, while civil liberties refer to freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties?
His ideas about natural rights and government by consent laid the foundation for the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
How did John Locke influence American democracy?
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
What is federalism?
The power to make laws, declare war, regulate commerce, and control taxing and spending policies
What powers do the Legislative Branch hold?
A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
What is the Federalist Papers?
The 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments.
What amendment protect voting rights?
.
A document that limited the power of the king and laid the groundwork for modern democracy and the rule of law.
What is the significance of the Magna Carta
The theory that individuals consent to form a government that will protect their rights in exchange for some individual freedoms.
Describe the social contract theory.
To interpret laws, administer justice, and evaluate the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.
What are the powers of the Judicial Branch?
The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak central government and was eventually replaced by the current Constitution.
What is the significance of the Articles of Confederation?
The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system.
What is the concept of due process?
It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of a stronger Constitution.
Describe the impact of Shays' Rebellion on American government?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and rights against government infringement.
What is the significance of the Bill of Rights?
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Explain the concept of separation of powers.
Essays written to oppose the ratification of the Constitution, arguing for a Bill of Rights and stronger protections for individual liberties.
What is the purpose of the Anti-Federalist Papers?
Individual rights shape policies by ensuring laws and regulations protect personal freedoms and promote equality.
How do individual rights influence government policy?
Policymakers often consider public opinion to ensure that laws and policies reflect the desires and needs of the constituents they serve.
How does public opinion shape policy decisions?