natural rights

• Rights that can be taken away by the government

• Rights an individual is born with that cannot be given or taken by government

• Rights that are granted by the government

• Rights that are only applicable to citizens

checks and balances

• a principle of government that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches

• a system where one branch of government has absolute power

• a method for citizens to vote on government policies

• a way to ensure that the government operates without any oversight

Declaration of Independence

• A document that outlined the rights of the British monarchy

• A treaty signed between the colonies and England

• Document that stated the reasons why the colonists wanted to leave England and form their own country

• A declaration of war against France

Enlightenment

• an intellectual and philosophical movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that focused on reason, ideas on government, and the value of happiness

• a period of artistic expression in the 19th century

• a scientific revolution that occurred in the 16th century

• a religious movement that emphasized faith over reason

social contract

• an implied agreement among the people of an organized society that defines the rights, duties, and limitations of the governed and the government

• a formal document outlining the laws of a nation

• a treaty between two or more countries

• a set of guidelines for ethical behavior in society

separation of powers

• a principle of government that sets up a structural division of responsibilities within distinct branches, each with their own powers and processes

• a system where all powers are concentrated in a single branch of government

• a method of governance that allows for direct democracy

• a principle that promotes the unification of government functions under one authority

consent of the governed

• the idea that government gains its power/authority from the people

• a principle that allows citizens to overthrow their government

• a theory that suggests government should be based on military strength

• a concept that emphasizes the importance of individual rights over collective rights

Mayflower Compact

• first set of laws established by the colonists in America - self government

• a treaty between Native Americans and colonists

• a document declaring independence from Britain

• the first constitution of the United States

Common Sense

• A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that gave reasons why the colonists should separate from England

• A book by Thomas Jefferson outlining the Declaration of Independence

• A speech by George Washington encouraging unity among the colonies

• A letter from King George III to the American colonies expressing his views

Magna Carta

• 1215, took power away from the King and gave the people of England protections from the government

• A document that established the Church of England

• A treaty that ended the Hundred Years' War

• A declaration of independence from France