Foundations of American Government

Front

What is government?

Back

An institution in which leaders exercise power to create and enforce laws affecting the people under its control.

Front

What is limited government?

Back

Idea that a government's power is not absolute.

Front

What is the importance of the Magna Carta?

Back

It was the first document that limited the power of a king.

Front

What are the English Bill of Rights?

Back

Rights that set limits on the monarchy, king or queen could not have absolute power and the people could question the government

Front

What is a representative government?

Back

Government in which the people elect delegates to represent them in government and makes laws and conduct government.

Front

Which Enlightenment thinker believed in the idea of "Natural Rights"?

Back

John Locke

Front

Which Enlightenment thinker believed in the "social contract" theory, in which people give up certain freedoms in order to have a government?

Back

Thomas Hobbes

Front

Which Enlightenment thinker believed that government power should be separated?

Back

Montesquieu

Front

Why is the Mayflower Compact an important document in colonial government and United States history?

Back

It was the first formal plan of self government in the colonies.

Front

What is the significance of the House of Burgesses?

Back

It was the first representative government in the colonies.