GOVT: Foundations of American Constitutional Government

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Democratic republic

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A form of government embodying democratic principles and a republic structure.

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Athenian democracy

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A system of direct democracy, in which citizens participated directly in decision-making.

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Roman Republic

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An ancient state that was governed by elected leaders and a complex constitution.

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Magna Carta

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A charter of liberties agreed to by King John of England in 1215, foundational to the development of constitutional law.

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English Petition of Rights

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A 1628 document that set out specific liberties of the subject that the king is prohibited from infringing.

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Rule of law

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The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.

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Due process of law

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Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.

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English Bill of Rights

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An act that the Parliament of England passed in 1689, creating separation of powers and limiting the powers of the king and queen.

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Charters of the Virginia Company of London

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Documents that granted rights to colonists and established the governance of the Virginia Colony.

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Enlightenment philosophers

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Thinkers who emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional doctrines.