U.S. Government - Unit 1 Vocab

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An influential Enlightenment thinker whose ideas on natural rights and government influenced the development of modern democracy.

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John Locke

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A political philosopher known for his social contract theory and his belief in absolute monarchy as described in his work 'Leviathan.'

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Thomas Hobbes

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The 1776 document in which the American colonies declared their independence from British rule, outlining grievances against the king.

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Declaration of Independence

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The first governing document of the United States, established a weak central government and was replaced by the U.S. Constitution.

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Articles of Confederation

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The foundational legal document of the United States, establishing the framework of government and the rights of citizens.

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U.S. Constitution

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The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and protections against government overreach.

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Bill of Rights

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Formal changes or additions to a legal document, particularly the U.S. Constitution, which allow it to adapt over time.

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Amendments

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A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

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Democracy

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Rights that cannot be taken away or denied, often referenced in the context of natural rights in political philosophy.

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Unalienable Rights

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The group of individuals who drafted the U.S. Constitution, including key figures such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.

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Framers