What are the fundamental political principles that have shaped government in the United States?

The Articles of Confederation

- created weak central government (e.g., no power to tax or enforce laws); led to the writing of the Constitution of the United States of America.

The Articles of Confederation

- established the first form of national government for the independent states

The Articles of Confederation

- maintained that major powers resided with individual states

The Declaration of Independence

affirmed "certain unalienable rights" (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) established the idea that all people are equal under the law.

The Declaration of Independence

declared the colonies' independence from Great Britain

= The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

stated freedom of religious beliefs and opinions.

The Declaration of Independence

stated grievances against the king of Great Britain

Limited government

Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things the people have given it the power to do.

Democracy

In a democratic system of government, the people rule.

Representative government

In a representative system of government, the people elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on the people's behalf.

Rule of law

The government and those who govern are bound by the law, as are those who are governed.

Consent of the governed

The people are the source of any and all governmental power.