governemnt vocab 1

Divine Right

The idea that kings get their power form God, so people must obey them.

Social Contract

An agreement where people give up some freedom so the government can protect their rights and maintian order in society.

Dictatorship/ Totalitarian

One person (or a small group) has all the power, people have little or no freedom

Monarchy

a government ruled by a king or queen

Oligarchy

a government run by a small group of powerful people.

Direct Democracy

People vote on every law or decision themselves

Republic/Representative Democracy

People choose leaders to make decisions and laws for them.

rule of law

everyone, even leaders, must follow the law

Majority Rule

The side with more than half the votes win

minority rights

Even if you’re in a smaller group or less powerful, your basic rights are still protected.

Limited Governemnt

the governemnt only has powers the poeple give it, not unlimited power.

Popular sovereignty

The people have the final power, government rules with the peoples consent.

John Locker

A Philosopher who said people have natural rights and can change bad governments.

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

A pamphlet that encouraged Americans to fight for independence from Britain.

Stamp Act

A british taxi on paper goods

Articles of Confederation

the first U.S. givernemnt plan, which made the federal/ national governemnt very weak

Shays rebellion

A farmer-led revolt against taxes and debt; it showed the Articles of Confederation were too weak.

Virgina Plan

said congress representation should be based on population (big states liked it)

New Jersey Plan

said each state should have equal votes in congress (small states liked it )

Great compromsie

Combined the Virginia & New Jersey plan. Created the two houses in congress: one house based on population (House of Representatives), one house equal (Senate).

Bicameral Legislature

a lawmaking group with two parts (house + senate)

3/5 compromise

said enslaved people counted as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxes

bill of rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution that protect people’s freedoms (speech, religion, press, etc.)