Political Thinkers
This thinker stressed the importance of separating powers between branches of government.
Who is Charles-Louis Montesquieu?
This document protects basic rights such as freedom of speech and protection from cruel punishment.
What is the Bill of Rights?
This chamber of Congress confirms cabinet and judicial appointments made by the president.
What is the Senate?
This amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
What is the First Amendment?
This system centralizes all power in one place, leading to efficient policymaking but risks authoritarianism.
What is a unitary system?
This political thinker argued for judicial review and the importance of an independent judiciary.
Who is Alexander Hamilton?
Known for the phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," it argues governments should protect inalienable rights.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This chamber initiates all legislation dealing with taxation and spending.
What is the House of Representatives?
This process requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress before being sent to the states.
What is proposing a Constitutional amendment?
This system divides power between national and state governments, creating checks and balances.
What is federalism?
He promoted the idea that governments are social contracts created to protect life and property.
Who is John Locke?
It introduced the concept of a “league of friendship” among states with limited national power.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
Both the House and the Senate share this power, essential for maintaining national commerce.
What is regulating interstate trade?
This amendment reserves powers not explicitly delegated to the federal government to the states.
What is the Tenth Amendment?
In this alliance, states retain sovereignty, making cooperation difficult despite more local authority.
What is a confederation?
The author of Federalist #10, he explained how a “well-constructed republic” could control factions.
Who is James Madison?
This document’s introduction states its purpose is to “promote the general welfare” and “secure the blessings of liberty.”
What is the U.S. Constitution?
This term refers to delaying a bill in the Senate through prolonged debate.
What is a filibuster?
This meeting in 1787 originally intended to revise the Articles of Confederation but resulted in drafting a new Constitution.
What is the Constitutional Convention?
This form of government unites disparate states under one central authority, often seen during the Classical Era.
What is centralization?
This thinker argued that a social contract is necessary to protect the rights of individuals.
Who is Thomas Hobbes?
This Federalist paper argued for separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny.
What is Federalist #51?
A bill must go here before being voted on by the entire House of Representatives.
What is a committee?
This delegate is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution.
Who is James Madison?
The doctrine claiming monarchs ruled by divine authority was known by this name.
What is the Divine Right of Kings?