Foundations of US Government

A government where a King or Queen has unlimited power.

• Absolute Monarchy

• Constitutional Monarchy

A government where power is shared by a King or Queen and a representative group of people, such as a Parliament or Congress.

• Constitutional Monarchy

• Absolute Monarchy

Limited royal power in England, and granted rights and representation to the people. Also known as "The Great Charter," this document influenced the U.S. Constitution.

• Magna Carter

• English Bill of Rights

• Mayflower Compact

• Cato's Letters

The first written agreement of self-government in the British colonies.

• Mayflower Compact

• Declaration of Independence

• Bill of Rights

• Magna Carta

Proposed plan of government favored by the larger states, with 3 branches and representation based on population.

• Virginia Plan

• New Jersey Plan

Proposed plan of government favored by the smaller states, with 3 branches and all states receiving 1 vote in congress.

• New Jersey Plan

• Virginia Plan

This agreement at the Constitutional Convention established a bicameral legislature (Congress). One house with representation based on population, and one with equal representation for all states.

• The Great Compromise

• Three-Fifths Compromise

• Missouri Compromise

• Judicial Review

Having two separate lawmaking chambers, or houses, of Congress.

• Bicameral

• Unicameral

• Due Process

• Parliament

The process of determining if a law or action is constitutional.

• Judicial Review

• Disenfranchisement

• Due Process of Law

• Confederation

Cruel, harsh or unfair government or rule.

• Tyranny

• Anarchy

• Treason

• Confederation