The Founders’ Lessons
The Founders studied which two ancient civilizations for government models?
Greece and Rome
What principle divides power between state and national governments?
Federalism
Who believed people are born with rights government must protect?
John Locke
What document inspired protection of due process?
Magna Carta
What are “natural rights”?
Rights all people are born with.
What did they learn from British history about liberty?
It must be protected by laws and institutions.
What term means “government limited by law”?
Constitutional government
Who believed people must obey the “general will” for the good of all?
Rousseau
Which English document protected free elections and speech?
English Bill of Rights
Why is civic virtue important?
Citizens must act for the common good.
Why did they study past governments?
To learn how to prevent tyranny and protect liberty.
What principle allows branches to stop one another from overreaching?
Checks and balances
What Enlightenment idea shaped democratic government?
Consent of the governed
What type of government did the colonies practice before independence?
Self-government through assemblies
What document later guaranteed many of these rights nationally?
The U.S. Bill of Rights
What did the Founders believe caused republics to collapse?
Corruption and loss of civic virtue.
Who said government needs separation of powers to preserve liberty?
Montesquieu
What concept states government authority depends on citizens’ approval?
Popular sovereignty
What document established a “civil body politic” among settlers?
Mayflower Compact
What responsibility comes with freedom?
Respecting others’ rights and obeying just laws.
What kind of government did the Founders want to avoid?
Absolute monarchy or dictatorship.
What did the Founders believe is the main purpose of government?
To protect people’s natural rights.
What philosopher inspired the phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”?
John Locke
What did colonial charters teach Americans about government?
t must be written and consented to by the people.
What principle ensures fairness and justice in courts?
Due process of law