Unit 1 Exam Study Guide: Foundations of Government

Vocabulary and key concepts from Unit 1, covering social institutions, forms of government, Enlightenment influences, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution.

5 Social Institutions

The core structures of society including Family, Religion, Education, Politics, and Economy.

Aristotle’s 3 basic forms of government

The foundational categories of government power as identified by the Greek philosopher Aristotle.

Divine right

A kind of authority based on the belief that a ruler's power comes directly from a higher power or deity.

Consent of the people

A kind of authority where government power is derived from the agreement of the citizens.

Civic virtue

The dedication of citizens to the common welfare of their community, which is essential for a functioning government.

Magna carta

An English governing document that serves as one of the historical influences on the foundations of the United States government.

English Bill of Rights

A significant English document that influenced the development of American governing principles.

Scientific Revolution, Renaissance, Reformation

The historical roots and periods that influenced the development of the Enlightenment.

social contract

A vocabulary concept from lectures regarding the agreement between individuals and their government.

state of nature

A term describing the hypothetical condition of people living without any government or laws.

absolute power

A form of authority where a ruler has complete and unrestricted control.

representative

A vocabulary term from Lesson 2, page 43, describing a person who acts or speaks on behalf of others in government.

government

A vocabulary term from Lesson 2, page 43, referring to the formal body or system that rules a territory.

rule of law

The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.

limited government

A governing body whose power is restricted by a constitution or other laws.

individual rights

The liberties and freedoms belonging to each person regardless of government interference.

separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one group from having too much power.

popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

constitutionalism

Adherence to a system of government according to constitutional principles.

majority rule

A decision-making principle that the greater number of people should exercise the most power.

Mayflower compact

A defining experience for the colonists that established an early form of self-government.

Taxation without representation

A grievance of the colonists concerning unfair laws and the lack of a voice in the governing body taxing them.

Declaration of Independence

A document drafted to declare independence from Britain, establish a formal break, and explain the reasons for the separation.

Articles of Confederation

The first system of government for the new nation, characterized by specific features influenced by colonial experiences and international trade needs.

Shay’s Rebellion

An event that exposed the significant weaknesses and problems within the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

A constitutional agreement that settled differences regarding the nature of legislative representation.

$3/5$ Clause

A constitutional compromise regarding how enslaved individuals would be counted for representation and taxation.

Electoral College

A compromise in the Constitution outlining the specific method for selecting the executive.

Slave Trade

One of the key topics of compromise during the drafting of the United States Constitution.

Hamilton & Jefferson

Two founders whose differing beliefs about government led to the creation of the current two-party political system.