UNIT 1 GOVERNMENT

Baron de Montesquieu

Time Period: 1689–1755 Definition: French philosopher who wrote The Spirit of the Laws.Significance: Introduced separation of powers, shaping the U.S. Constitution.

Separation of Powers

Time Period: Enlightenment, 1748 Definition: Division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Significance: Prevents tyranny by ensuring no single branch controls all power.

NATURAL RIGHTS

Time Period: 1600s–1700s Definition: Rights inherent to all people (life, liberty, property). Significance: Basis for the Declaration of Independence.

SOCIAL CONTRACT

Time Period: Enlightenment Definition: Agreement where people consent to be governed. Significance: Foundation for democratic legitimacy and the American Revolution.

CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED

Time Period: Enlightenment Definition: Government power comes from the people’s permission. Significance: Central principle of American democracy.

INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS

Time Period: 1600s–present Definition: Freedoms and protections each person holds. Significance: Basis for the Bill of Rights.

COMMON LAW

Time Period: Medieval England Definition: Law based on judicial decisions and precedent. Significance: Influenced American courts and legal reasoning.

CIVIL LAW

Time Period: Ancient Rome → Justinian Code (527–565 CE) Definition: Law based on written codes and statutes. Significance: Influences European and Louisiana legal systems.

MAGNA CARTA

Date: 1215 Definition: Charter limiting the king’s power. Significance: Early foundation for rule of law and constitutional government.

JOHN LOCKE

Time Period: 1632–1704
Definition: English philosopher who argued for natural rights and government by consent.
Significance: Major influence on Jefferson and American founding documents.