comp #3

Declaration of Independence

A 1776 document asserting the colonies' freedom from British rule, influenced by Enlightenment ideas like natural rights and social contract theory.

Natural rights

The rights that people supposedly have under natural law, including life, liberty, and property.

Social contract theory

The idea that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed.

Magna Carta

A 1215 document that limited government power and established the principle of due process.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, authored by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Checks and balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, created in 1781, which established a weak central government.

Northwest Ordinances

Laws that provided a method for admitting new states to the Union and established a framework for governance in the Northwest Territory.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties and rights.

Anti-Federalist Papers

A series of writings opposing the ratification of the Constitution, arguing it gave too much power to the central government.

Rule of law

The concept that the law applies to everyone, including those in government.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

A document that influenced the Bill of Rights, emphasizing individual liberties and rights.

Constitution of Massachusetts

A 1780 document that influenced the U.S. Constitution through its principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.

Factions

Groups of people with shared interests that can influence government; a concept discussed in Federalist No. 10.

Civil rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Consent of the governed

The idea that government powers come from the consent of the people.

Separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the powers of another.

Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being represented, crucial in a republic.