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- 6. Rights Personal freedoms protected by law. - The Bill of Rights guarantees specific individual rights like freedom of speech and religion.
- 7. The political philosophy that supports a republican form of government. - It emphasizes civic virtue and opposition to corruption.
- 12. of Independence The document, adopted on July 4, 1776, that announced the 13 American colonies' separation from Great Britain. - It was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson.
- 13. A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. - In the U.S., power is shared between the federal government and the states.
- 15. Changes or additions to the Constitution. - The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
- 16. Right of Kings The belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God. - The American Revolution rejected this concept in favor of popular sovereignty.
- 18. Sovereignty The principle that government authority comes from the people. - It's expressed in the phrase "We the People" in the Constitution's Preamble.
- 20. The introductory statement of the Constitution, outlining its purposes. - It begins with "We the People of the United States..."
- 22. Fathers The leaders who played significant roles in creating the United States, especially during the American Revolution and the framing of the Constitution. - Examples include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.
- 23. Papers A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution. - They were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.
- 24. powers Actions that the Constitution specifically prohibits the government from taking. - For example, the government cannot pass ex post facto laws or bills of a
- 25. Government The principle that government power should be restricted by law. - The U.S. Constitution establishes limits on governmental authority.
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- 1. powers Powers shared by both the federal government and state governments. - Examples include the power to tax and to establish courts.
- 2. A form of government where power is held by the people and their elected representatives. - The United States is a constitutional republic.
- 3. The idea that government power should be limited by a constitution. - This concept is fundamental to American democracy.
- 4. of Rights The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing specific rights and liberties. - It includes freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms.
- 5. rights Rights that cannot be taken away or given up, considered inherent to all humans. - The Declaration of Independence lists "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" as examples.
- 8. and Balances A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others. - For example, the President can veto laws passed by Congress.
- 9. of Powers The division of government authority among different branches. - In the U.S., power is divided among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
- 10. The formal approval of a constitution or treaty. - The U.S. Constitution required ratification by 9 of the 13 states to take effect.
- 11. Contract Theory The idea that people consent to be governed in exchange for protection of their natural rights. - This concept, developed by philosophers like John Locke, influenced the formation of American government.
- 14. of Confederation The first governing document of the United States, in effect from 1781-1789. - It created a weak central government and was replaced by the Constitution.
- 17. An intellectual movement in 18th century Europe that emphasized reason, individual rights, and scientific method. - Its ideas greatly influenced the Founding Fathers.
- 19. powers Powers not granted to the federal government by the Constitution, reserved for the states or the people. - The Tenth Amendment addresses these powers.
- 21. Convention The meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates drafted the U.S. Constitution. - It was presided over by George Washington.