Fundamental Principals
The government is NOT all powerful and leaders must follow the rules like everyone else
Limited government
English document that limited the king’s power and introduced the idea that everyone—even rulers—must follow the law.
Magna Carta (1215)
The government must follow fair procedures and laws before taking away a person’s life, liberty, or property.
Due Process
Makes the laws
Legislative Branch
favored big states by giving more votes to states with larger populations
Virginia Plan
People elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on your behalf
Republicanism
Gave English settlers the right to form a colony in Virginia and guaranteed them the same rights as English citizens
Charters of the Virginia Company of London
Everyone, including leaders, must follow the law
Rule of Law
Carries out the laws
Executive Branch
gave all states equal power, no matter their size
New Jersey Plan
Power is shared between the national government and the state governments
Federalism
Written by George Mason, this document declared rights like freedom of the press and religion—many of which were later included in the U.S. Bill of Rights
Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
The U.S. Constitution is the highest law in the land. If state and national laws conflict, the national law prevails.
Supremacy Clause
Interprets the laws
Judicial Branch
Combined the two plans—Congress would have two houses: one based on population and one with equal representation
Great Compromise
Each branch of government (legislative, executive, judicial) can limit the power of the others
Checks and Balances
Written by Thomas Jefferson, it announced that the American colonies were breaking away from Britain and listed the reasons why
Declaration of Independence (1776)
Government power is divided among branches to avoid abuse.
Separation of Powers
Power is shared between the national government and the state governments
Federalism
Decided how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxes
Three-Fifths Compromise
Government power is divided among the three branches, with each branch having its own duties
Separation of Powers
The first U.S. government framework that gave too much power to the states and was replaced by the Constitution
Articles of Confederation
Citizens vote to choose leaders who represent their views.
Representative Government
Congress has a bicameral legislature in House of Representatives and Senate
Legislative Branch
added to the Constitution to protect individual freedoms and secure support
Bill of Rights