Key Concepts from US Government and History Lecture

This set of flashcards encapsulates critical terms and definitions from the US Government and history lecture notes.

Inherent rights

The rights that people are born with that kings cannot take away.

Political culture

The shared set of beliefs and values defining the relationship between the government and its people.

Social contract

An agreement where people give government the power to rule for an orderly society.

Inalienable rights

Self-evident rights as described in the Declaration of Independence.

Liberty

Social, political, and economic freedoms.

American exceptionalism

Belief that the US is a uniquely free nation based on democratic ideals.

Jamestown

The first permanent British settlement in modern-day US.

French and Indian War

The war between France and Britain fought in the American colonies.

Albany Plan

Proposal for a union of British colonies with a chief executive.

Treaty of Paris

The treaty that secured American independence in 1783.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference

The organization founded by MLK Jr. and others that fought for civil rights.

Federalists; Anti-Federalists

Supporters and opponents of the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution.

Necessary and proper clause

Also known as the elastic clause, allowing Congress to make laws as needed.

Cooperative federalism

When nations and states work together in public policy.

New Deal

FDR's plan for tackling the Great Depression.

Devolution

The returning of authority for federal programs to the states.

Laissez-faire capitalism

An economic system that tolerates some government regulation.

Thirteenth Amendment

The amendment that abolished slavery.