Foundations of Democracy

Tyranny

abuse of power

Legislature

group of people chosen to make laws

Charter

a document giving permission to create a government

Constitution

written plan of government

Compact

a written agreement to make and obey laws

Ratification

approval of a document

Republic

government in which the citizens elect representatives to make laws

Heritage

traditions passed down from generation to generation

Direct Democracy

laws are made directly by citizens (Ancient Athens)

John Locke

Natural rights: life liberty and property

Montesquieu

Separation of powers

Natural Rights

rights you are born with

Virginia House of Burgesses

first colonial legislature

Separation of powers

dividing government power among branches

oligarchy

The power and authority to rule are in the hands of a small group or the minority. Aristocracy, Military Junta, Communist Totalitarianism

democracy

The power and authority are in the hand of the people either directly or through elected officials.

autocracy

The power and authority to rule are in the hands of a single person. Monarchy, Totalitarian Dictatorship

anarchy

absence of government, has absolute freedom of the individual

"Self evident truths"-Declaration of Independence

All men created equal, life, liberty, Pursuit of happiness, power from the people

The Original 13 Colonies

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