Heimler AP Gov 1.1

Limited Government

The core democratic ideal that ensures government is restricted to protect individual freedom.

Natural Rights

Rights that come from the Creator and cannot be taken away by rulers; includes Life, Liberty, and Property as defined by John Locke.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the power to govern lies with the people.

Social Contract

An agreement where people give power to government to protect their rights, and if the government violates this contract, the people must overthrow it.

Republicanism

A system where people elect representatives to govern and emphasizes the separation of powers to prevent tyranny.

Declaration of Independence

A foundational document asserting natural rights and the social contract, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776.

U.S. Constitution

The document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government, incorporating Enlightenment ideas such as republicanism and separation of powers.

Separation of Powers

A model of governance where the government's powers are divided among different branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent tyranny.

Foundational Documents

Key texts like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution that articulate the principles of democracy in the U.S.

Enlightenment Influences

Ideas from Enlightenment thinkers such as Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Montesquieu that shaped the U.S. political foundations.