AP Gov. Notes: Declaration of Independence and Foundational Principles

Vocabulary flashcards covering core foundational concepts from AP Government notes, including the Declaration of Independence, natural rights, popular sovereignty, social contract theory, and the right of revolution.

Declaration of Independence

A document written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson to explain why the colonies were separating from Great Britain.

Natural Rights

Rights people are born with, identified as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the government gets its power from the people.

Social Contract

An arrangement where people agree to form a government in order to protect their rights.

Right of Revolution

The idea that the people can change or abolish a government that violates their rights.

Articles of Confederation

The 1st U.S Gov that created a weak national government and gave the most power to states

Constitutionalism

The idea that gov. must follow the constitution

Limited Gov

Government power is restricted by laws and the constitution

Representative Government

Citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf

Participatory Democracy

Citizens participate in politics through voting, protest,etc.