Learn: ap gov vocab

amendment process

an amendment thats proposed by 2/3 of congress and ratified by 3/4 of the states

articles of confederation (weaknesses)

Americas first government was to weak since congress couldn't tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws

bill of rights

the first 10 amendments to the constitution to protect individual freedom and rights

consent of the goverened

a government only has the right to rule and use power if the people agree to it

declaration of independence

a document that declared American colonies were independent from Britain and had the right to govern themselves

limited government

a governments power cannot be absolute

natural law/natural rights

all people have certain rights that cant be taken away

popular sovereignty

all government power comes from the consent of its people

republic/republicanism

system where citizens elect representatives to maek decisions for them and make laws

seperation of powers

division of government power among the legislative, executive, and the judicial branches.

shays rebellion

farmers led by daniel shays protested the high taxes and debt by shutting down courts, and exposing the weaknesses of the government from the articles of confederation

social contract

an agreement among the people in a society to give up some rights to maintain social order