US history Unit 1

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 1600s and 1700 that sought to solve human problems by applying scientific models and reason to government and politics

Consent of the governed

The authority to rule came for the people the government served

Natural right

Could never be taken away or even voluntarily given up by individuals. These rights were “unalienable” (impossible to surrender)

Social contract

A ruler had to protect his/her citizens natural rights and if the ruler did not do this the citizens had the right to establish a new government that would protect it.

Bill of rights

The protections for personal liberty that limit the power of the government over the people.

Articles of confederation

The first plan for the federal government in the us; it created a confederation of 13 states

Northwest territory

Part of the territory ceded the us by Great Britain in the treaty of Paris.

Checks and balances

A set of court acting influences that regulate a political system so that power if concentrated in the hands of a single group