American Government: Roots, Context, and Reform Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the roots of American government, early colonial reformers, the Preamble, and changing demographics.

Mayflower Compact

A document that established a local government in Massachusetts, emphasizing independence from the English monarchy and early ideas of equality.

Roger Williams

An early reformer who believed that punishment for religious or moral matters was up to God and not the people.

Ann Hutchenson

A colonist who was banned for being a feminist and challenging the authority of men in the colonies.

William Penn

Founder of a diverse and open colony who promoted first ideas of religious freedom and overall equality for people of all colors, origins, and religions.

Democracy

A system of government that gives power to the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

Republic

A government rooted in the consent of the governed, characterized as a representative or indirect democracy.

Enlightenment

A philosophical movement that challenged absolute monarchy and promoted ideas of equality (all men are created equal) and the separation of powers.

Establish justice

A key phrase in the Preamble that refers to how the government creates laws.

Insure domestic tranquility

A key phrase in the Preamble that refers to how the government maintains peace, order, and safety within the United States.

Provide for the common defense

A key phrase in the Preamble that refers to how the government protects people from outside forces and enemies.

Promote the general warfare

A phrase used in the Preamble (as per notes) describing how the government maintains the health and overall well-being of the people.

Secure blessing of liberty

A key phrase in the Preamble that refers to how the government provides freedoms to make people as free as possible.

Politics

The struggle over who gets what, when, and how.

Government

The institution through which public policy is made and carried out.

American Dream

A concept related to reform, people, and politics within the American system.