Foundations & Key Thinkers
Ancient Athens is famous for developing this earliest form of government where citizens vote directly on laws.
Direct Democracy
This 1787 meeting in Philadelphia was originally called to revise the Articles of Confederation, but ended up drafting a whole new Constitution.
Philadelphia Convention or Constitutional Convention
This group supported the ratification of the Constitution and argued for a strong national government.
Federalists
Signed in 1215 by King John, this English document established the principle that the monarch's power is not absolute.
Magna Carta
This amendment prevents the government from forcing citizens to quarter troops in their homes during peacetime.
3rd Amendment
This amendment states that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.
10th Amendment
This Enlightenment thinker argued that government gets its power from the "consent of the governed" and is responsible for protecting natural rights (life, liberty, and property)
John Locke
Favored by larger states, this plan proposed a bicameral legislature where state representation was based on population.
Virginia Plan
This group opposed the new Constitution, fearing a strong national government and demanding a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
Anti-Federalists
Written by Pilgrims in 1620, this agreement established an early form of self-government in North America.
Mayflower Compact
This amendment protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.
2nd Amendment
This amendment guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases where the value in controversy exceeds twenty dollars.
7th Amendment
Ancient Rome inspired this form of democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Republic (or Representative Democracy)
Favored by smaller states, this plan proposed a unicameral legislature where every state received equal representation.
New Jersey Plan
Written by James Madison, this famous essay argued that a large republic is the best way to control the dangers of "factions."
Federalist No. 10
This 1776 pamphlet written by Thomas Paine convinced many American colonists to support independence from Britain.
Common Sense
This amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause.
4th Amendment
This amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.
8th Amendment
Baron de Montesquieu advocated for this system of governance to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Separation of Powers (or Checks and Balances)
This was America's first frame of government, which proved too weak because it lacked an executive branch, tax power, or a federal court system.
Articles of Confederation
This essay famously stated, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary," explaining the need for checks and balances.
Federalist No. 51
Passed in 1689, this English document guaranteed rights like free speech in Parliament and protection from cruel and unusual punishment.
English Bill of Rights
This amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
1st Amendment
This amendment states that people still have rights that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution.
9th Amendment
This French philosopher popularized the idea of the "social contract" and believed that legitimate political authority rests on the general will of the people.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau or John Locke
Also known as the Connecticut Compromise, this agreement created a bicameral Congress with a population-based House and an equal-representation Senate.
Great Compromise
To officially adopt the U.S. Constitution, this number out of 13 states had to ratify it.
9 states
Passed between 1784 and 1787, these acts established the process for admitting new states to the Union and banned slavery in the new territory.
Northwest Ordinances
This amendment guarantees due process, protects against double jeopardy, and ensures you don't have to testify against yourself ("right to remain silent").
5th Amendment
This amendment guarantees criminal defendants the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury and the right to an attorney.
6th Amendment