American history vocab

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1. Individualism

People’s economic and political activity is not controlled by the government; without inherited power in government, people are free to pursue their own goals.

2. Unalienable

Cannot be changed nor taken from an individual; natural rights.

3. E Pluribus Unum

Latin for “Out of many, one”; motto adopted by the Continental Congress in 1782 to reflect that several states joined together to make one nation; it appears on the Great Seal of the U.S.

4. Populism (Popular Sovereignty)

The principle that common people hold the power to govern their country through voting and participation in political processes.

5. Liberty

Freedom from tyranny; having political rights.

6. Constitutionalism

A representative form of government in which representatives derive their power from the consent of the governed; representatives serve for a set tenure and are sworn to uphold the constitution; leaders are elected rather than inheriting power like monarchs.

7. Suffrage

The right to vote in an election.

Here’s your cleaned-up and organized vocabulary list with definitions:

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1. Values

Strongly held ideas or beliefs that are very important to a person or to a group of people.

2. U.S. Constitution

A document that establishes a system of laws and formally states people’s rights and duties; it is a plan of government.

3. In God We Trust

Adopted as the official motto of the U.S. in 1956; printed on all American money.

4. Principles

Ideas that form the basis of something; underlying or guiding theories or beliefs.

5. Declaration of Independence

A document stating the purpose of government, the right of ordinary citizens to overthrow an unjust government, a list of grievances against King George III, and a statement announcing the independence of the 13 colonies from Great Britain.

6. Egalitarian

The belief that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities regardless of their social class; social equality without inherited power.

7. Motto

A short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule or guiding principle for a person or group.

8. Bill of Rights

A written statement listing the basic rights of citizens; the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

9. Laissez-Faire

An approach in which there is limited government interference in a country’s economic policy; a “hands-off” approach to the economy.

10. Tyranny

Cruel and unfair treatment by people with power over others.