Foundational Documents in American Government

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to foundational documents in American government.

Natural Rights

People are born with rights that must be protected by the government.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the people are the source of governmental power; enables them to abolish unjust governments.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among people to form a government and abide by its rules.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, which established a loose confederation of sovereign states.

Federalism

The distribution of power between a central government and regional governments.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Factions

Groups that pursue their own interests contrary to the common good.

Brutus #1

An essay advocating for a small republic and warning about the dangers of centralized power.

Elastic Clause

Clause in the Constitution that allows Congress to pass laws necessary and proper for carrying out its powers.

Federalist #51

Explains the need for government to limit ambition and provides the rationale for checks and balances.

Federalist #70

Argues for a strong, unitary executive to ensure effective governance.

Federalist #78

Argues that the judiciary is the least dangerous branch and discusses the concept of judicial review.

Civil Disobedience

The active, professed refusal to obey certain laws as a form of peaceful protest.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

A letter by Martin Luther King Jr. that outlines the necessity of fighting for civil rights and the application of constitutional ideals.