Module 2: The Constitution & Core Values

Liberty

The freedom to live and act as you choose without unnecessary government interference.

Individualism

The belief that individuals have inherent personal worth, autonomy, and self-reliance over state control.

Equality

The principle that all people have equal worth and deserve equal political, legal, and social treatment.

Self-Government

The idea that political power comes from the consent of the people (popular sovereignty).

Natural Rights

Fundamental freedoms (like life, liberty, and property) that people inherently possess, not granted by government.

Social Contract

An unspoken agreement where citizens accept government rule in exchange for protection of their fundamental rights.

Separation of Powers

Splitting government authority into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial) so no single group holds total control.

Checks & Balances

Rules giving each branch of government tools to limit or block actions by the other branches.

Tyranny of the Majority

A situation where a voting majority uses democratic power to suppress the rights of political minorities.

John Locke:

• An English philosopher who argued that government exists solely to protect people's natural rights (life, liberty, and property)

Montesquieu

A French philosopher who advocated for dividing government into separate branches (separation of powers) to prevent tyranny.

Thomas Hobbes

A philosopher who believed humans are naturally selfish and chaotic, making strong government necessary to keep order.

Articles of Confederation:

The original, very weak U.S. government structure that failed because it couldn't tax, enforce laws, or keep order.

The Great Compromise

The agreement at the Constitutional Convention that created a two-house legislature: the House (by population) and the Senate (2 per state).

Three-Fifths Compromise

A agreement that counted 3 out of every 5 enslaved people for representation in Congress and federal taxation.