Gov Unit 1: Lessons 1-7 vocab

Constitution

a plan that provides the rules for government

Democracy

Rule by the people, form of government in which citizens hold political power, vote directly on all issues

Forms of government

Monarchies, aristocracy, polity

Limited government

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.

Parliament

The British legislature made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch.

Republic

A form of government in which citizens choose their leaders by voting

Civic virtue

dedication of citizens to common welfare of their country, even at the cost of individual interests

Classical Republicanism

A democratic ideal, rooted in ancient Greece and Rome, that requires citizens to participate directly in public affairs, seek the public interest, and avoid private gains

Common good

The good of the community as a whole.

Consent of the governed

Agreement by citizens to obey laws and gov they create. Consent is foundation of government legitimacy

Divine right

Belief that a rulers authority comes directly from god. mainly recognized in early modern Europe

Inalienable rights

rights necessary to being human that every person possesses that can not be taken away by the government. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness

Natural rights

Rights you are born with simply because you are human

Popular Sovereignty

A belief that ultimate power resides in the people

Pursuit of happiness

right of Americans to pursue personal fulfillment in their own way, so long as they don't infringe on rights of others.

Right of revolution

right of people to change or overthrow government that doesn't serve their interests

Social contract theory

people agree to give up some of their absolute freedom and obey rules. In return, a government or society gives them safety, order, and protection.

State of nature

a condition in which no governments or laws existed at all

Capitalism

an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.

Feudalism

political and economic system in medieval Europe where land was exchanged for loyalty, protection, and service

Judeo Christianity

Ideas, beliefs, and practices that have their historical roots in Judaism and Christianity

Private morality

A person's personal beliefs about what is right and wrong, especially in their private life

Public morality

society's shared belief about right and wrong in matters that affect the public

Magna Carta

King John of England signed this doc, granted certain civil rights and liberties to English nobles, such as right of jury and guarantee against loss of liberty, life, or property

Precedent

an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in similar circumstances.

Redress of Grievances

correction of complaints, 1st amendment protects right of people to petition the govt to obtain remedies for claimed wrongs

Rights of Englishmen

certain historically established rights, beginning with rights of Magna Carta, that all English subjects were understood to have. influenced Americans ideas of rights

Rules of Law

both those who govern and those who are governed must obey the law and are subject to the same laws.

Stare Decisis

principle of following previous court decisions when deciding similar new cases

Writ of Habeas Corpus

court order requiring gov to bring detained person before a judge and justify when they're being held

charter

written document defines powers and responsibilities of a gov or organization. provides legal framework for smaller places, like cities

constituents

a person in an area represented by an elected official. people living in representative districts

covenant

formal agreement between or promise between 2 powers, more spiritual

indentured servant

person who agreed to work for someone in exchange for passage to America or other resources

Magistrate

government official or judge with limited legal authority, handles minor court cases, issues warrants

Mayflower compact

1620 agreement in which pilgrims agreed to create and follow their own goals and laws in Plymouth colony

Suffrage

the right to vote in elections

Compact

formal agreement or contract between 2 more groups

Law of Nature

idea that there are universal moral principles that exist naturally. provides moral standard governments must follow.

Sovereignty

the supreme, absolute power and authority of a government to govern its people, make laws, and control its territory without outside interference

Writs of Assistance

Court order allowing British officials to search for smuggled goods without a warrant. Helped contribute to colonial opposition to British Rule

Checks and Balances

a system in which each branch of government has powers that can limit other branches.

Legislative Supremacy

lawmakers (legislative branch) have highest authority in government, especially over making laws. NOT used in the US

Veto

Power of president or governor to reject a bill passed by legislative. Congress passes bill, president vetoes, preventing it from being a law unless Congress overrides.