Foundations of American Government

Magna Carta

Established the principle that no one is above the law, not even the king.

Mayflower Compact

Established the first direct democracy in the American colonies.

The Charters of the Virginia Company of London

Guaranteed the rights of Englishmen to Virginia colonists.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Written by George Mason and served as the basis for the United States Bill of Rights.

The Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom

Established the principle of separation of church and state and influenced the First Amendment.

Declaration of Independence

State that all people are equal under the law and that all people of inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Articles of Confederation

Our nation's first constitution and gave more power to the state governments than national government.

Dictatorship

The type of government where one person is both head of state and head of government. Power is usually taken by force.

Absolute Monarchy

The type of government where a king our queen is both head of state and head of government.

Constitutional Monarchy

The type of government where a king or queen is head of state and elected officials are head of government.

Representative Democracy

The type of government where elected officials are both head of state and head of government.

Direct Democracy

The type of government where all citizens are both head of state and head of government.

Consent of the Governed

Citizens give authority to the government in exchange for the protection of their rights.

Limited Government

Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things the people have given it the power to do.

Rule of Law

Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.

Democracy

In a democratic system of government, the people rule.

Representative Government

In a representative system of government, the people elect public office holders to make laws and conduct government on the people's behalf.