Key Concepts from Video Lecture: Magna Carta to Federalism

Vocabulary flashcards covering major terms from the notes on Magna Carta through Limited government.

Magna Carta

1215 document that limited the power of the English king and guaranteed certain legal rights to Englishmen.

English Bill of Rights

1689 Act of Parliament that limited the powers of the monarchy and enumerated certain political rights.

Enlightenment

Intellectual movement in 17th-18th century Europe emphasizing reason, science, and individual rights over tradition and faith.

John Locke

English philosopher (1632-1704) who wrote Two Treatises of Government; argued for natural rights (life, liberty, property) and consent of the governed.

Thomas Jefferson

Virginia statesman (1743-1826) who wrote the Declaration of Independence and served as the third U.S. president.

Natural rights

Rights inherent to individuals (commonly life, liberty, property) that cannot legitimately be taken away.

Social contract

Idea that government's authority comes from the consent of the governed; citizens may replace rulers who violate rights.

Bill of Rights (U.S.)

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution protecting individual liberties and limiting government power.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. national government (adopted 1777, ratified 1781): created a loose confederation with a weak central government.

Northwest Territory

Region ceded to the U.S. after the Revolutionary War (north of the Ohio River, east of the Mississippi) organized by the Northwest Ordinance.

Checks and balances

System where each government branch can limit the powers of the others to prevent abuses.

Great Compromise

1787 agreement that created a bicameral Congress: representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Federalism

Division of power between the national (federal) government and state governments.

The Federalist Papers

Series of essays by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting ratification of the Constitution.

Separation of powers

Division of government into branches (legislative, executive, judicial) with different functions to limit power concentration.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the 1787 Constitution's ratification who feared a strong central government and pushed for a Bill of Rights.

Limited government

Principle that government powers are restricted by law and individuals have rights government cannot legitimately take away.