Vocabulary Flashcards
Confederation
A form of political union in which sovereign nation-states join together in order to pursue a common goal, often natural security, as many confederations were composed of small, vulnerable nation-states incapable of defending themselves.
Consent
Because all men are born equally free and independent, no one can rule over another without consent. (The Founders believed consent is necessary for just government, and is secured by the social compact and through regular elections)
Equality
All men are created equal, meaning no one has the right to rule over another without consent.
Extended Territory
According to the Founders, one of the best checks on majority faction was expanding territory. The larger size of the republic meant Americans would be dispersed over a vast area and hold a variety of opinions and interests, thus it would take time and deliberation to make grand changes to public policy.
Faction
A group of citizens in pursuit of some interest that is destructive to the rights of their fellow citizens or the common good of the community as a whole. (Although factions tended to constitute a minority, the Founders believed a faction of the majority was possible)
Federalism
The principle by which authority is divided between different levels of government, for example, the U.S. government established by the Constitution.
Historical Contingency
The belief that moral and political principles are contingent upon or relative to the time and place in which they are expressed, rather than on a permanent or universal and timeless standard.
Historical Progress
The belief that history brought about constant moral and political improvement. As a result, people from earlier times were considered undeveloped in terms of politics and morality.
Independent Judiciary
According to the Founders, the judiciary was the weakest of the three powers because it lacks the force of the executive and the will of the legislature. As such, it was vulnerable to encroachment, so it needed to be independent of the other branches to be faithful to the Constitution and not the whims of public sentiment.
Legislative Checks and Balances
According to the Founders, legislative power is the most important in government and therefore was the most open to abuse. As a result, there needed to be checks placed on the legislature to balance its power. This was achieved by created a bicameral legislature, and creating checks like the executive having to sign laws into effect.
Natural Law
The moral laws discernible by human reason and binding on all men regardless of time or place. (The Founders believed natural law served as the ground of men’s natural rights as well as the moral limit to liberty)
Natural Rights
The rights individuals possess by virtue of being human, including life, liberty, property, religion, and the pursuit of happiness.
Representation
According to the Founders, representation was essential to republican government because it allowed the people to rule through those chosen by themselves, while preventing government from devolving into a tyrannical mob.
Republicanism
The belief that a free government is one that is representative of and responsive to the people.
Separation of Powers
According to the Founders, there were three distinct powers of government: Legislative (Make laws), Executive (Enforce laws), and Judicial (Judge disputes concerning the law). By separating these powers, the Founders believed they could prevent the government from becoming tyrannical.
