The Declaration of Independence Study Set

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Enlightenment ideals, authors, and key principles found in the Declaration of Independence according to the lecture transcript.

Declaration of Independence

The first foundational document for AP Government, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, which contains the preamble, a list of grievances, and a resolution for independence.

Thomas Jefferson

The Enlightenment-influenced author of the Declaration of Independence.

Sections of the Declaration of Independence

Specifically consists of three parts: a preamble, a list of grievances against King George III, and a resolution for independence.

Preamble

The first section of the Declaration that justifies why the American colonists are breaking their political bands with Britain and explains the causes impelling them to separation.

Purpose of the Declaration

A twofold goal intended to rally the troops to fight at home and to secure foreign allies who could help win the war.

Unalienable rights

Rights that are endowed by the creator and cannot be taken away by a government, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Natural rights theory

The Enlightenment principle that basic rights do not originate from a government or king, but are given to people by their creator.

John Locke

The Enlightenment thinker who famously wrote the Second Treatise on Civil Government, serving as a primary influence for natural rights theory.

Second Treatise on Civil Government

The work by John Locke that influenced Thomas Jefferson's writing regarding natural rights.

Consent of the governed

The principle that governments derive their just powers from the people over whom they rule.

Popular sovereignty

The Enlightenment ideal associated with Rousseau which states that the power to govern resides in the hands of the people.

Social contract

The agreement in which people willingly surrender some of their power to a government so that the government can protect their natural rights.

Right to alter or abolish

The authority of the people to discard or change a government that has become destructive toward the protection of natural rights.

King George III

The British monarch against whom the Declaration of Independence lists specific grievances.