Ideals of Democracy, gov. practice

Constitutional convention

Meeting of delegates to replace the articles of confederation

Limited government

Political system where the government’s power is restricted by laws and the Constitution to protect individual liberties

Natural rights

Life, liberty & property, things that the government cannot take away

Republicanism

Governing via elected representatives

Social contract

Agreement between the people and the government, the consent to be governed as long as the people’s natural rights remain protected

Declaration of Independence

1776, United States declaring freedom from Britain, heavily influenced by the ideals of Locke

US Constitution

Document that set up the institutional structure of America, in order to replace the ineffective Articles of Confederation

The Preamble

Introduction to the constitution, “We the People” — Basically an “intro” for what’s to come next

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the constitution protecting individual rights (such as the right to remain silent, the freedom of religion/speech/press, etc.)

Popular sovereignty

Government where the people rule by their own consent, and consent can be revoked at the next election

Natural law

Law of reason, the feelings of guilt and being wronged, governs all, and even in the state of nature, stealing, killing and enslaving is all wrong.

Natural rights - property

Property encompasses life and liberty too, since they are your property.

Democracy

the PEOPLE rule

How does pursuit of happiness connect to property?

When your property is safe and secure, you can pursue happiness and make advances in society because you have the time instead of trying to protect what is yours (apple ex.)