Constitutional Rights
Protection for political speech and criticism of government is guaranteed.
First Amendment
The idea that legitimate political authority originates from the people themselves.
Consent of the governed
Financial weakness caused by the national government’s inability to collect revenue directly.
No power to tax
Political groups motivated by self-interest that Madison believed could threaten the public good.
Factions
Peaceful refusal to obey laws considered morally wrong.
Civil disobedience
The requirement that law enforcement demonstrate probable cause before conducting most searches.
Fourth Amendment
The Enlightenment's belief that individuals possess rights simply by being human.
Natural rights
Representation system in which every state had equal influence regardless of population.
Equal state representation
The government design in which each branch can limit the powers of the others.
Checks and balances
Laws that degrade human dignity and violate moral principles.
Unjust Laws
Constitutional protection prevents someone from being prosecuted twice for the same offense.
Double Jeopardy
The theory that government exists through an agreement between rulers and the people.
Social contract
Lack of this branch meant national laws could not be enforced effectively.
Executive branch
The term Hamilton used to describe the qualities needed for effective presidential leadership.
Energy in the executive
Criticism that social justice activists should wait for gradual change.
The call for patience or delay
The principle ensuring the government must follow fair legal procedures before depriving someone of life or liberty.
Due process
The argument that a government violating natural rights can be replaced by the people.
Right of revolution
Absence of this branch meant there was no national court system to resolve disputes.
Judicial branch
Authority of courts to interpret the Constitution and invalidate conflicting laws.
Judicial review
Statement arguing that delaying equality is itself a form of injustice.
Justice delayed is justice denied
Protection against punishments considered excessive or disproportionate to the crime.
Eighth Amendment
The extensive list of accusations used to justify separation from Britain.
Grievances
Requirement that made altering the Articles extremely difficult.
Unanimous state approval
Fear that a large national government would weaken states and threaten liberty.
Centralized national power
Moral argument that individuals have a duty to oppose unjust laws rather than obey them.
Moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws