Civics unit 3

What is a primary source?

An original object or document from the time period studied.

What is a secondary source?

Second-hand information written about a historical event at a later date.

What does the 'S' in SOAPS stand for?

Source or Speaker (Who made this?).

What does the 'O' in SOAPS stand for?

Occasion (When and where was it made?).

What does the 'A' in SOAPS stand for?

Audience (Who were they talking to?).

What does the 'P' in SOAPS stand for?

Purpose (Why did they write it?).

What does the second 'S' in SOAPS stand for?

Summary (What is the main point?).

Who wrote the book 'Leviathan'?

Thomas Hobbes.

How did Thomas Hobbes view human nature?

He saw humans as naturally selfish and quick to fight.

According to Hobbes, what is a state of nature?

Life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

What was Hobbes's view of the social contract?

People hand over power for protection and lose the right to revolt.

What kind of government did Hobbes believe was best?

A monarchy led by a single sovereign.

What does 'tabula rasa' mean?

A blank slate or page where the mind is filled by experiences.

What are John Locke's three natural rights?

Life, liberty, and property.

How did Locke view the social contract?

A two-way street where citizens revolt if government fails to protect rights.

Why do we have a government?

To protect our natural rights.

English Common Law

Established in 1066 as a basis for legal systems.

Magna Carta

Signed in 1215, it limited the power of the king.

Charters of the Virginia Company of London

Issued in 1606, it guaranteed colonists the same rights as Englishmen.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Adopted on June 12, 1776, serving as a model for the Bill of Rights.

Declaration of Independence

Adopted on July 4, 1776, officially declaring independence from Great Britain.

Articles of Confederation

Created in 1777 as the first constitution of the United States.

Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom

Passed in 1786, establishing freedom of religious beliefs and practices.

US Constitution

Established in 1789, it is the supreme law of the United States.

Bill of Rights

Added to the Constitution in 1791 to protect individual liberties.

Limited Government

The principle that government is not all-powerful and can only do what the people allow.

Republicanism

The principle where people elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.

Federalism

The principle where power is shared between the national and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The principle where government power is divided among three branches with distinct duties.

Checks and Balances

The principle where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the power of government comes from the people (consent of the governed).

What happened after the Revolutionary War?

States tried to run the new country and created the Articles of Confederation as a "league of friendship" out of fear of a strong central government.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first form of independent national government for the United States, featuring a weak central government where most power rested in the states.

What were the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

No power to collect taxes, regulate trade, or enforce laws; only one branch (Congress) with no president or supreme court; rules were too rigid.

What were the strengths of the Articles of Confederation?

It got America through the Revolutionary War, allowed the signing of the Treaty of Paris, and set up rules for governing new territories (Northwest Ordinance of 1783).

What fundamental principles are found in the Articles of Confederation?

Limited Government and Federalism.

What is the Declaration of Independence?

A breakup letter written by Thomas Jefferson in July 1776 to officially announce independence from Great Britain.

What are the four sections of the Declaration of Independence?

Preamble, Natural Rights, Grievances, and Resolution of Independence.

What unalienable rights are affirmed in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

What fundamental principles are found in the Declaration of Independence?

Limited Government and Popular Sovereignty.

What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To officially announce American independence and explain why the colonists were leaving British rule.

Confederation

Several groups (states) united in a loose organization.

Statute

A written law or rule.

Declaration

A formal statement or announcement.

Charter

Formal document that gives specific rights, powers, and privileges to a group.

Federalist Papers

Documents written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay; pro-Constitution.

Faction

A small group with specific special interests.

Principle

A fundamental truth or belief.

Primary Source

Original object or document from the time period studied, such as an autobiography, painting, letter, or diary.

Secondary Source

Created after the fact, collecting and analyzing information from primary sources, such as a textbook or encyclopedia.

Articles of Confederation: Laws & States

Under the Articles of Confederation, states did not have to obey the laws Congress passed.

Articles of Confederation: Taxes

The Congress created by the Articles did not have the power to collect taxes.

Articles of Confederation: Executive

The Articles did not create a powerful President to lead the country.

New York Casino Ballot Measure Purpose

To promote job growth, increase aid to schools, and permit local governments to lower property taxes.

Amendment II

Protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

Amendment V

Protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process, and guarantees grand jury rights.

Amendment VIII

Prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.

English Common Law Basis

Based on precedent (court decisions and traditions) and treats all people fairly.

Charters of the Virginia Company Purpose

Promised rights to colonists in Virginia, such as self-government and liberties as if born in England.

Fundamental Principle of Virginia Documents

Limited Government (stopping government from having too much power and ensuring all follow the same rules).

What fundamental principle applies when a government official is arrested for breaking the law?

Limited Government

What fundamental principle applies when voters vote on proposals for spending tax money?

Popular Sovereignty