Fundamental Principles and Founding Documents
constitution
A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society
anti-federalist
A group who opposed the ratification of the Constitution in 1787. They opposed a strong central government (tyranny) and supported states' rights. "I smell a rat!"
confederation
A political system in which a weak central government has limited authority, and the states have ultimate power.
Federalist
A term used to describe supporters of the Constitution during ratification debates in state legislatures.
The people are the source of any and all governmental power
Consent of the governed
The government and those who govern are bound by the law, as are those who are governed.
Rule of law
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
charter
A city's basic law, its constitution; a written grant of authority from the king.
In a democratic system of government, the people rule.
Democracy
Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things the people have given it the power to do.
Limited government
In a representative system of government, the people elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on the people's behalf.
Representative government
maintained that major powers resided with individual states
The Articles of Confederation
affirmed individual worth and dignity of all people
The Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights
established the structure of the United States government
The Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights
guaranteed equality under the law with majority rule and the rights of the minority protected
The Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights
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 Declaration of Independence
stated grievances against the king of Great Britain
The Declaration of Independence
Stated freedom of religious beliefs and opinions.
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Guaranteed the rights of Englishmen to the colonists.
The charters of the Virginia Company of London
popular sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.
protected the fundamental freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
The Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights
served as a model for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States of America.
The Virginia Declaration of Rights
unalienable rights
These rights are fundamental or natural rights guaranteed to people naturally instead of by the law. They include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
natural rights
the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property