Basics
A country has a permanent population, defined borders, a government, and complete authority over its decisions.
Sovereignty
“People create governments to protect rights they already possess.”
John Locke --- natural rights
This document limited a king’s authority centuries before the American Revolution.
Magna Carta
Congress could borrow money and request funds from states, but it lacked this essential financial power.
Power to tax
Hamilton, Madison, and Jay published essays under the name “Publius” for this purpose.
To support ratification of the Constitution
In this form of government, voters choose representatives who govern under an established constitution.
Constitutional Republic
Locke argued that citizens could take this action if their government repeatedly violated their natural rights.
Replace or overthrow the government
Colonists aboard a ship agreed to create laws for the good of their community. Name the document they signed.
Mayflower Compact
Farmers protested state taxes, but the national government could not quickly raise troops. What event exposed this weakness?
Shay's Rebellion
This group believed replacing the Articles of Confederation might create a national government powerful enough to threaten liberty.
Anti-Federalists
A ruler inherits power from a family member and serves for life.
Monarchy
This philosopher believed life without government would be dangerous because people are naturally self-interested.
Thomas Hobbes
“In America, the law is king.” Which author used this argument to attack monarchy?
Thomas Paine
Large states supported this plan because representation in both houses would be based on population.
Virginia Plan
Federalists promised to add this in order to win support from people concerned about individual liberties.
Bill of Rights
A small group of wealthy business leaders controls the government.
Oligarchy
Citizens may replace a government that repeatedly violates their natural rights. Which philosopher would most strongly support this argument?
The Declaration states that governments receive their “just powers” from the people. What principle does this express?
Consent of the Governed
Small states supported this plan because it preserved equal state voting power in a one-house legislature.
New Jersey Plan
Madison wrote that government must be powerful enough to govern but also forced to control itself. Which principle addresses the second concern?
Checks and balances
The government controls elections, the media, education, employment, and citizens’ private behavior.
Totalitarianism
The Declaration of Independence changed Locke’s “life, liberty, and property” into this famous phrase.
Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
Identify both the document and political principle represented by the phrase “We the People.”
Constitution and popular sovereignty
Which proposal from the Virginia Plan survived in the Great Compromise, and which proposal from the New Jersey Plan survived?
Population-based representation in the House and equal state representation in the Senate
This group supported ratification because it believed the country needed a stronger national government.