Famous Documents
The first governing document of the United States, establishing a weak central government before the Constitution
Articles of Confederation
A mutual agreement where different parties make concessions to reach a solution
Compromise
A system of government where power ultimately rests with the people, who can vote and participate in decision-making processes
Democracy
A series of essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
Federalist Papers
The Declaration of Independence was signed in this year
1776
The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for government and fundamental rights
Constitution of the United States
The idea that government's legitimacy and authority comes from the agreement and approval of the people being governed
Consent of the Governed
A government system where leaders are elected, and power is limited by a written constitution
Constitutional Republic
Fundamental rights that all humans are believed to possess, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which exist independently of government
Natural Rights
In order for a government system to be considered a "Constitutional Republic," there needs to be this type of document
Constitution
The 1776 document declaring the American colonies' separation from Great Britain and outlining fundamental human rights
Declaration of Independence
A system where citizens have the power to govern themselves through elected representatives
Self-government
A form of government where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the citizens
Republic
The principle that government power comes directly from the people's consent and will
Popular Sovereignty
James Madison gets a university, Alexander Hamilton gets a famous musical, but this Federalist Paper author often goes unknown by students starting Government class, even though he was the first Supreme Court Chief Justice
John Jay
A document drafted in 1776 that influenced the Bill of Rights and outlined individual liberties
Virginia Declaration of Rights
A democratic principle where the majority's preferences determine collective decisions
Majority Rule
A principle where all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced
Rule of Law
Political and philosophical ideas emphasizing reason, individual rights, and limited government
Enlightenment Principles
The Declaration of Independence declared independence from this major empire
Great Britain
A historic document from 1215 that limited the English monarch's power and established fundamental legal rights
Magna Carta
Protections ensuring that minority groups are not oppressed or discriminated against by majority decisions
Minority Rights
According to the concept of popular sovereignty, this "p" word is where all the power comes from
People
In a democracy and a constitutional republic, this holds all the power...think a six letter "p" word
People
In a republic, these people make decisions on behalf of the citizens
Elected Representatives