U.S Founding Documents

Magna Carta (1215)

Historical English document that established the rule of law, due process, and limited government.

Mayflower Compact (1620)

Colonial agreement that created a self-governing civil body politic based on just and equal laws.

English Bill of Rights (1689)

Act that limited royal authority by requiring Parliament's consent to suspend laws.

Popular sovereignty

Political principle stating that government power and authority derive from the consent of the governed.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the U.S. that created a weak national government while states retained full sovereignty.

Federalism

System of government where power is shared between national and state governments.

Northwest Ordinance

Enactment that promoted education and linked civic virtue and knowledge to the public good.

Federalist No. 10

Essay by James Madison arguing that a large representative republic best controls the effects of factions.

Federalist No. 51

Essay advocating for checks and balances and separation of powers using the principle 'Ambition must counteract ambition.'

Great Compromise

Agreement establishing a bicameral legislature with representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement to count three-fifths of the enslaved population for direct taxation and representation in Congress.

Articles I, II, and III of the U.S. Constitution

Sections establishing the Legislative branch (makes laws), Executive branch (enforces laws), and Judicial branch (interprets laws).

First Amendment

Constitutional amendment protecting freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Fifth Amendment

Constitutional amendment guaranteeing due process and protecting life, liberty, and property from illegal government action.