Foundations of Government

Republic

A representative form of government in which leaders are elected by the people.

Rule of law

All people must follow the law, including government officials.

Consent of the governed

Citizens give authority to the government to limit freedoms in exchange for the protection of their rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The ultimate authority of a country is given to the population.

Limited government

Government is not all-powerful and may only do things the people allow them power to do.

Democracy

A form of government which gives power to the people through the right to vote.

VA Declaration of Rights

Served as the model for the Bill of Rights.

US Constitution

Established the structure of the US government and protected fundamental freedoms like religion and speech.

Bill of Rights

Was added to the Constitution as amendments.

VA Statute of Religious Freedom

Stated freedom of religious beliefs and opinions.

Charters of the VA Company of London

Guaranteed the rights of Englishmen to the colonists.

Magna Carta

Established even the King must follow the law and gave basic rights to Englishmen.

Declaration of Independence

State grievances against the King and affirmed all men as equal.

Articles of Confederation

Established a weak central government.

Virginia Plan

Representation based on population; favored the large states.

New Jersey Plan

Representation based on equal votes; favored the small states.

Connecticut “Great” Compromise

Bicameral legislature with House of Representatives based on population and each state getting 2 senators.

3/5ths Compromise

A debate over whether enslaved people should count as part of state representation; decided they should count for 3/5ths of a person.

Federalist

Supported a strong central government to maintain order and national stability; advocated for ratification of the Constitution without immediate amendments.

Anti-Federalist

Favored strong state governments and feared a powerful central authority; opposed the Constitution unless a Bill of Rights was added.

Preamble

An introduction to the Constitution expressing the reasons it was written and the purposes of the government.

Provide for the common defense

Protect the nation from foreign threats.

Promote the general Welfare

Support the well being and prosperity of all citizens.

Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity

Protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of current and future generations.

Article I

Powers of the Legislative Branch.

Article II

Powers of the Executive Branch.

Article III

Powers of the Judicial Branch.

Article V

How to amend the Constitution.

Article VI

Supremacy Clause.

1st Amendment

R- Religion; A- Assembly; P- Press; P-Petition; S- Speech.

4th Amendment

Protects against unwarranted searches.

6th Amendment

You have the right to a speedy and public trial, an attorney, and to confront witnesses.

9th Amendment

If a freedom isn’t mentioned, it is still protected.

Due Process

The constitutional guarantee that the government must follow established legal procedures and act fairly.

5th Amendment

Due process on the federal level.

14th Amendment

Due process on the state and local level.