Foundations of the U.S. Government

An influential Enlightenment thinker whose ideas on natural rights and government influenced the development of modern democracy.

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

A political philosopher known for his social contract theory and his belief in absolute monarchy as described in his work "Leviathan."

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• James Madison

• Alexander Hamilton

The 1776 document in which the American colonies declared their independence from British rule, outlining grievances against the king.

• U.S. Constitution

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

• Bill of Rights

The first governing document of the United States, established a weak central government and was replaced by the U.S. Constitution.

• Bill of Rights

• U.S. Constitution

• Declaration of Independence

• Articles of Confederation

The foundational legal document of the United States, establishing the framework of government and the rights of citizens.

• Bill of Rights

• U.S. Constitution

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and protections against government overreach.

• Bill of Rights

• Declaration of Independence

• Articles of Confederation

• U.S. Constitution

Formal changes or additions to a legal document, particularly the U.S. Constitution, which allow it to adapt over time.

• Federalism

• Sovereignty

• Amendments

• Framers

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

• Sovereignty

• Framers

• Amendments

• Democracy

Rights that cannot be taken away or denied, often referenced in the context of natural rights in political philosophy.

• Social Contract

• Unalienable Rights

• Sovereignty

• Amendments

The group of individuals who drafted the U.S. Constitution, including key figures such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.

• Framers

• Loyalist

• Parliament

• Socialist