SS.7.C.1.4: Natural Rights and Declaration of Independence

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

3 Natural Rights that were listed in the Declaration of Independence

Grievances in Declaration of Independence

Complaints made against King George III such as quartering soldiers, denying colonists the right to a trial by jury, taxation without representation

Tyranny

Cruel and oppressive government or rule

Articles of Confederation

Document that created the 1st national (federal) government, 1st attempt at a Constitution in the United States

U.S. Constitution

Document which created the three separate branches of our national (federal) government, 2nd attempt at a Constitution in the United States

Government

Entire system of authority or power that acts on behalf of a group of people

Legislatures and Statutes

Legislatures create statutory law. -Federal Laws -State Laws -Municipal Laws -Judges interpret. -Laws must pass Constitutional "muster"

Sections of the Declaration of Independence

Natural Rights, Grievances (Problems), Declaring Independence

Life, Liberty, and Property

Natural rights of John Locke

Role of Government

Public disclosure laws, public interests, protecting health, safety, and well-being

Natural Rights

Rights that you have simply because you were born (a human being), cannot be taken away from you

National (Federal), State, Local

What are the three levels of government?

To serve the people

What is the main purpose of government?

Protect our Natural Rights

What is the main reason for government according to John Locke and the Declaration of Independence?

Social Contract

When an individual agrees with others to create and live under a government and gives that government the power to make and enforce laws

Consent of the governed (people)

Where does government get its right to govern?

assent

agreement, consent

Unalienable Rights

basic rights of the people that may not be taken away

abolish

cancel; put an end to

self-evident

obvious; requiring no proof or explanation.

oppression

prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control

political rights

the rights guaranteeing a citizen's ability to participate in politics, including the right to vote and the right to hold an elected office