Chapter 2 Flashcards
Declaration of Independence
- Approved 1776
- stated protest against british monarch
- declared their independence
Constitution
Nation’s basic law
Natural rights
Right inherent in humans, not on the government
Life, liberty, and property
Consent of the governed
The idea that government derives its authority by sanction of the people
Limited government
Restricted government to protect natural rights
Articles of confederation
- First consti of US
- adopted in 1777
- enacted in 1781
- established a national legislature
Shay’s rebellion
- Attacks on courthouses by a band of farmers led by Captain Daniel Shays
- block foreclosure proceedings
U. S. Constitution
- written in 1787
- ratified in 1788
- replaced the Articles of Confederation
- set institutional structure of US gov
Factions
Interest groups arising from unequal distribution of property or wealth
New jersey plan
- Proposal at constitutional convention
* called for equal representation of each states regardless of population
Virginia plan
- proposal at the CC
- called for representation of each states
- in proportion to that state’s share of the us popu
Connecticut compromise
Reached CC, established 2 houses of congress the House of Representatives
Writ of habeas corpus
- Court order
* require jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody
Separation of powers
Feature of the consti that require states to each have
•executive
•legislative
•judicial
Checks and balances
Feature of consti that limits gov’s power by balancing it among different governmental institutions
