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Natural Rights

Life, liberty, and property as defined by John Locke.

Social Contract

The agreement that government exists to protect individual rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that power originates from the people.

Consent of the Governed

The authority of the government is granted by its citizens.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, establishing a weak national government.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a legislature based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed equal representation for each state in the legislature.

Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature combining both plans.

3/5 Compromise

Counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Checks and Balances

System that prevents any one branch of government from gaining too much power.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Federalist 10

Argued that a large republic can help control factions.

Liberal

Political ideology supporting government action for social equality.

Conservative

Political ideology favoring limited government and free markets.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and preferences of individuals on political issues.

Margin of Error

The range of expected accuracy in polling results.

Single-Member Districts

An electoral district that sends one representative to a legislature.

PACs

Political Action Committees that limit contributions to candidates.

527s

Organizations that promote issues but may not advocate for specific candidates.