Smarterer Thinkers
This French philosopher believed that it's a bad idea to put all of the power in the hands of 1 person or body... perhaps a separation is in order?
Who was (Baron de) Montesquieu?
Also called the "Great Charter"... the English citizens forced King John to sign this document in 1215, limiting his power over England. What a huge step forward for monarchies everywhere!
What is the Magna Carta?
People... gov't... [blank]! This unspoken agreement states that the people will continue to give the government power, as long as the government agrees to protect the people.
What is a Social Contract?
These two major world-religions had a large influence on the Founding Fathers in the creation of the United States. YOU MUST NAME BOTH FOR CREDIT!!
What is Judaism and Christianity?
This Bill of Rights amendment allows for you to vocalize your opinions about government, religion, or... just about anything!
What is the 1st Amendment?
This sharp-tongued French philosopher would sooner die than see the right to free speech and religion taken away from the citizens, as per his famous quote.
Who is Voltaire?
This document, created in 1689, outlined specific laws and rights that the government must protect. It was so great that almost 100 years later, the U.S. decided to "borrow" the idea (although we made it better).
What are the English Bill of Rights?
The idea that a government does not have unlimited power and has a set of boundaries... typically established from a Constitution or other document.
What is limited government?
According to Judeo-Christian beliefs, humans have many qualities... but the least flattering of which is that we are inherently [another word for "imperfect"]...
What is "flawed"?
This amendment in the Bill of Rights protects your right to bear arms... the pew-pew ones, not the grizzly ones.
This English philosopher was an advocate for consent of the governed, natural laws, and natural rights (naturally). He was also a strong proponent for social contract, although he didn't write the book on it, so to speak.
Who is John Locke?
Just like in the movie, Robin Hood, King John of England wasn't very good at his job... and the English citizens wanted to overthrow him for these reasons. (Two possible answer choices here).
What were high taxes? OR What was poor leadership?
The idea that there are certain morals, rules, and principles that people are born with and don't typically have to be taught... think common sense, but more Civics-related!
What is natural law?
According to Judeo-Christian principles, every human is born with value...we don't have to do anything to earn it, it's just there!
What is individual worth?
This amendment in the Bill of Rights protects citizens from cruel and unusual punishments, as well as excessive bail. The days of being drawn and quartered are over... for now...
What is the 8th Amendment?
This French philosopher wrote an essay describing the connection between the people and the government... an unspoken agreement that keeps the two parties socially contracted, perhaps?
Who was Jean Jacques Rousseau?
The Magna Carta established the idea that this body/group has more power that the King... this was proven following the removal of King James II.
What is the legislature?
The government has to hold itself accountable... every branch has to keep the other in...check...so to speak. This helps ensure there is no branch that is too powerful or corrupt!
What is Checks and Balances?
Similarities between U.S. laws and the Biblical 10 Commandments help demonstrate the idea that there is no preferential treatment based on status... whether its in ancient Judea or modern U.S., no one is above the law!
What is Rule of Law?
This amendment allows for the President and Vice President to run on separate ballots... no more tie-breakers in the House of Representatives!
What is the 12th Amendment?
This English philosopher believed that the government's job was to protect the people... so that's what all those laws are for; who'd've thought?
Most revolutions are violent, bloody, and messy... but not this one! Thanks to the limited government created by the earliest English constitutional documents, King James II was near-peacefully removed from the throne!
What was the Glorious Revolution?
Established judicial or legal proceedings that are designed to protect the legal rights of an individual. Remember, you're innocent until proven guilty!
What is due process of law?
According to Judeo-Christian principles, because humans have value, we also have rights that cannot be taken away... not by God, the government, or anyone!
What are inalienable rights?
This amendment guarantees equal protection for all U.S. Citizens... it also defines what it means to be a U.S. Citizen, in case there was any confusion.
What is the 14th Amendment?