Study Cards Flashcards
Mayflower Compact
Agreement from pilgrims on Mayflower ship in 1620, allowing them to live in a civil society following their own laws.
Magna Carta
Charter granted by King John recognizing rights and privileges of the people.
Common Sense
Pamphlet by Thomas Paine that called for the U.S to declare independence from Britain
Declaration of Independence
Public Act. July 4th 1776 , declared colonies to be free and INDEPENDENT of England.
Articles Of Confederation
Agreement made by original 13 states establishing a confederacy to be known as the USA
Constitution
Document including the principals
Federalists / Anti - Federalists
For constitution / Against it
Popular Sovereignty
Government is created and maintained by the consent of its people through their elected representatives. (WE THE PEOPLE …)
Social Contract
Agreement for mutual benefit between individual, group, gov’t or community as a whole
Direct Democracy
A democracy where people decide policy initiatives directly
Representative Democracy
Elected officials representing a group of people
Preamble
Brief introductory statement of the constitution purposes and guiding principles. First 3 words .. WE THE PEOPLE who
Bill Of Rights
Name for 1st 10 amendments in the US constitution
Amendment 1
Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition - to vote
Amendment 2
Right to bear arms
Amendment 4
Protection against unreasonable search and seizure
Amendment 5
Due process, double jeopardy
Amendment 7
Trial by jury in civil cases
Amendment 8
No excessive bail or fine; no cruel or unusual punishment
Amendment 9
PEOPLE RETAIN rights
Amendment 10
Powers not delegated to the US to states or people
Amendment
A minor change in a document
New Jersey Plan
SMALL STATE plan
Virginia Plan
LARGE STATE plan
A proposal for a BICAMERAL legislative branch
Great Compromise / Connecticut Compromise
Senate = Equal Representation House = Representation Based On Population
Supremacy Clause
Federal constitution and law takes precedent (priority) over state laws and constitutions
Federalism
System of government
Limited Government
Citizens have more control on how they shape their local environment policy
Representative Government
People elect their lawmakers (representatives)
Consent of The Governed
Idea that a government rights to use state power is only legal when derived from the people / society
Checks and Balances
Used to keep government from getting too powerful in one branch
Separation of Powers
Act of vesting legislative, executive and judicial powers of government
Force Theory
Small group or a single person took domination over an area and forced others to submit to that person or group rule
Evolutionary Theory
Starts with FAMILY
Family grows -> Splits into groups of families -> Splits to clans -> Splits To Tribes -> Start of agriculture
Divine Right Theory
Political Leaders were appointed by God to rule and have right to rule.
Qualifications For President (3)
35 Years Old , Natural Born US Citizen , Been A US resident for 14 years.
Qualifications For Senate (3)
30 Years Old , US Citizen for at least 9 years , a resident of state representing
Qualifications For House (3)
25 years old , been US citizen for 7 years , be a resident in state representing
