Unit 1 Foundations of U.S. Government

Government

Institution that enforces public policies in society.

Power

Ability to command or prevent actions effectively.

Sovereignty

Supreme power within a territory, self-governing.

Legislative Power

Authority to make laws and frame policies.

Executive Power

Authority to enforce and administer laws.

Judicial Power

Authority to interpret laws and settle disputes.

Constitution

Fundamental laws outlining government principles and structures.

Force Theory

Government originates from control through coercion.

Evolution Theory

Government evolves from family units to states.

Divine Right Theory

Rulers derive authority from divine sanction.

Social Contract Theory

People consent to form a government for safety.

Direct Democracy

Citizens directly participate in decision-making processes.

Republicanism

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions.

Magna Carta

1215 document limiting the English king's power.

Great Council

Nobles' assembly that evolved into English Parliament.

House of Burgesses

First legislative body in American colonies, Virginia.

Salutary Neglect

Period allowing colonial self-governance before 1763.

Glorious Revolution

1688 event influencing American government philosophy.

John Locke

Philosopher advocating government originates from citizen consent.

Second Treatise of Government

Locke's work on rights and government responsibilities.

Majority Rule

Decision-making principle based on the majority's choice.

Agricultural Development

Transition from clans to states through farming.

Ancient Athens

Origin of direct democracy in early civilization.

Social Contract Theory

Philosophical concept on government legitimacy.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher advocating for absolute government authority.

John Locke

Philosopher supporting citizens' right to change government.

English Bill of Rights

Document guaranteeing citizens' rights post-Glorious Revolution.

King George III

Monarch during increased British authority over colonies.

Mercantilist Trade Laws

Regulations governing colonial trade for British benefit.

American Revolution

Conflict between colonies and British government, 1775-1783.

Common Sense

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating independence from Britain.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring U.S. independence from British rule.

Limited Government

Political principle restricting government powers over citizens.

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. constitution, creating a weak national government.

Weak National Government

Limited powers assigned to the national government.

Shays' Rebellion

Uprising highlighting weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting to address Articles' weaknesses and create new government.

Second Continental Congress

Governing body during American Revolution, adopted Articles of Confederation.

Treaty of Paris 1783

Agreement recognizing U.S. independence from Britain.

Economic Conditions 1786

Critical financial issues prompting calls for government reform.

State Representation

Debate topic on how states would be represented in government.

Executive Branch

Proposed government branch to enforce laws and lead.

Interstate Trade Regulation

Control of trade between states, discussed at Convention.

Glorious Revolution

Event leading to the English Bill of Rights.

Colonial Authority Increase

British actions that escalated tensions with American colonies.

Political Power in States

Articles favored state power over national authority.

British Rule

Historical influence on colonial governance and independence.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the United States, weak structure.

Enlightenment

Intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individualism.

Montesquieu

Philosopher advocating separation of powers in government.

Three Branches of Government

Legislative, Executive, Judicial; ensures balanced power.

Preamble

Introduction to the Constitution stating its purposes.

Ratification Battle

Debate over approval of the new Constitution.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution, led by Hamilton.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution, fearing central government power.

Federalist Papers

Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalist Papers

Essays opposing the Constitution, advocating for rights.

Article Seven

Constitution ratified by ninth state's approval.

New Hampshire

Ninth state to ratify the Constitution in 1788.

Popular Sovereignty

Government's power derives from the consent of the governed.

Separation of Powers

Division of government into three coequal branches.

Checks and Balances

System preventing one branch from overpowering others.

Federalism

Power divided between national and state governments.

Limited Government

Government's power is restricted by law.

Rule of Law

Principle that law applies equally to all.

Republicanism

Citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions.

Majority Rule

Government reflects desires of the majority.

Minority Rights

Protection of minority interests against majority oppression.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments protecting individual liberties.

Article V

Outlines amendment process for the Constitution.