terms for US history

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason and individualism over faith and tradition

English bill of Rights

An act of parliament that limited the rights of the English Monarchy and enumerated certain political Rights

Magna Carta

A document limiting the power of the king of England and guaranteeing certain rights and Englishmen

Natural rights

(Life, liberty, and property) are rights that can never be taken away or even voluntarily given up by individuals. These rights were “unalienable” (impossible to surrender).

Consent to the governed

The authority to rule came from the people the government served

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 individuals

Articles of confederation

The first plan for a National government in the United State; it created a confederation of 13 states

Northwest Territory