Founding Principles

What are natural or inalienable rights?

• Rights that are granted by the government and can be taken away by the government.

• Rights that are derived from natural law and cannot be justly taken away by the government.

• Rights that are created by the Constitution and can be amended by the government.

• Rights that are based on social contract and can be changed by the consent of the people.

What is liberty?

• The power to think and act as one sees fit without restraint except by the laws of nature and interfering with someone else’s rights.

• The freedom to do whatever one wants without regard for the consequences or the rights of others.

• The right to participate in the political process and elect representatives who make laws.

• The ability to pursue happiness and prosperity through hard work and innovation.

What is equality?

• All individuals have the same abilities and talents and should be rewarded equally by the society.

• All individuals have the same opportunities and outcomes and should be supported by the government.

• All individuals have the same responsibilities and duties and should be held accountable by the law.

• All individuals have the same claim as human beings to natural rights and treatment under the law.

What is consent of the governed or popular sovereignty?

• The people must obey the government even if it violates their rights.

• The people have to respect the authority of the government.

• The power of government comes from the people.

• The government has the authority to make decisions for the good of the people.

What answer best characterizes the form of government known as a democracy?

• A form of government in which elected representatives act on behalf of the people.

• A form of government in which the people have rights and freedoms that are protected by a constitution.

• A form of government in which ultimate authority is based directly on the will of the people.

•   A form of government in which the people have limited voice in the decision-making process.

Which form of limited government best describes the rule of law?

• Government and citizens all adhere to the moral and ethical principles of justice. Those laws must be fair and impartial to all parties.

• Government and citizens all abide by the same laws regardless of political power. Those laws must be stable and justly applied.

• Government and citizens all respect the human rights and dignity of all people. Those laws must be consistent and compatible with international standards.

• Government and citizens all follow the constitution as the supreme law of the land. Those laws must be interpreted and enforced by the courts.

What is freedom of religion?

• The right to impose one’s religion or form of worship, if any, without opposition; freedom of domination.

• The right to establish one’s religion or form of worship, if any, without freedom of association.

• The right to practice one’s religion or form of worship, if any, without freedom of expression.

• The right to choose one’s religion or form of worship, if any, without interference; freedom of conscience.

Which definition best describes the separation of powers?

• Each division of the government criticizes the power of the other branches.

• All three branches balance and share power while delegating authority to educated elites.

• Each division of the government exercises distinct powers to carry out its functions and to prevent the accumulation of power.

• The government must apply law and rules equally to all people.

Which definition best exemplifies due process?

• Government and citizens all abide by the same laws regardless of political power. Those laws must be stable and justly applied.

• The government must apply law and rules equally to all people.

• All individuals have the same claim as human beings to natural rights and treatment under the law.

• Having a political order that protects the rights of most citizens equally.

A republic is?

• A constitutional form of government with elected representatives who represent and "refine and enlarge" the will of the people.

• Laws are made with the consent of the majority, but don't infringe on the inalienable rights of the minority.

• Rights which belong to humans by nature and con only be justly abridged through due process.

• A political order that protects the rights of all equally and treats everyone equally under the law.