SS.7.CG.1.2 - Principles in the Founding Documents

rule of law

a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws

natural rights

basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments (life, liberty, & property)

Rule of Law

No one is above the law

Founding Fathers / Framers

Political leaders who participated in the American Revolution by signing the Declaration of Independence

protected rights

protections & liberties guaranteed to the people by the U.S. Constitution

principles

rules, beliefs, or ideas that guide you

Religious Liberty

the free exercise of religion in society

separation of powers

division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another

Founding documents

documents which established the government's structure & continue to secure the rights of American citizens (The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, & Bill of Rights)

Equality of Mankind

every individual is born equal, has equal opportunity to succeed and is entitled to the same set of basic rights

Due Process

fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

Limited Government

government structure in which government actions are limited by law