cbt1

Bill of Rights: Freedom of Religion

The right to choose one's religion or form of worship, if any, without interference; freedom of conscience.

Bill of Rights: Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly

The right to express one's opinions freely, orally or in writing and the right to gather with others in groups of one's choice without arbitrary or unreasonable restrictions.

Bill of Rights: Private Property

The natural right of all individuals to create, obtain, and control their possessions, beliefs, faculties, and opinions as well as the fruits of their labor.

Constitutional/Auxiliary Precautions: Separation of Powers

Each division of government exercises distinct powers to carry out its functions and to prevent the accumulation of power.

Constitutional/Auxiliary Precautions: Checks and Balances

The branches of government each have powers to limit the powers of the other branches and to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful.

Constitutional/Auxiliary Precautions: Federalism

The national and state governments have a balance of separate and shared powers. The people delegate certain powers to the national government, while the states retain other powers; and the people retain all powers not delegated to the governing bodies.

Limited Government: Rule of Law

Government and citizens all abide by the same laws regardless of political power. Those laws must be stable and justly applied.

Limited Government: Due Process

The government must apply law and rules equally to all people.

Consent and Republican Government: Majority Rule/ Minority Rights

Laws are made with the consent of the majority but do not infringe on the inalienable rights of the minority.

Consent and Republican Government: Consent of the Governed

The power of government comes from the people.

Consent and Republican Government: Democracy

A form of government in which ultimate authority is based directly on the will of the people

Consent and Republican Government: Republic

A constitutional form of government with elected representatives who represent and "refine and enlarge" the will of the people.

NATURAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION: Natural/Inalienable Rights

Rights which belong to humans by nature and can only be justly abridged through due process. Examples are life, liberty, and property

NATURAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION: Liberty

The power to think and act as one sees fit without restraint except by the laws of nature and interfering with someone else's rights.

NATURAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION: Equality

All individuals have the same claim as human beings to natural rights and treatment under the law.

NATURAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION: Justice

Having a political order that protects the rights of all equally and treats everyone equally under the law.