American Government - Chapter 1

A theory of government that states that people agree to submit to authority in exchange for protection and support. This agreement is the basis for a legitimate government.

The idea that rulers are chosen by God or gods, giving them absolute power. This was a major source of legitimacy in the past.

A system of rules derived from nature, guiding all things in the world and including natural rights for everyone. This system of rules is thought to be the basis for a just government.

Fundamental rights that are inherent to all humans and cannot be taken away. These rights are based on natural law and include the right to life, liberty, and property.

A form of government ruled by a single monarch, typically a king or queen, who inherits their power.

A form of government where the power of the monarch is limited by laws, often through a constitution or parliament. It can exist alongside other forms of government, like a democracy.

A system of government where a single dictator or a small group holds absolute power with no limits. They often use violence and force to maintain control.

A form of government where power is held by the people, with citizens participating in decision-making through elected representatives.

The concept that individuals have inherent rights that cannot be taken away by the government, including the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, with limitations on the power of the government.

A system of government where the powers of government are divided among different branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The Articles of Confederation was the first attempt at a Constitution for the United States, but it failed due to its weaknesses. It lacked a strong national government, making it difficult to enforce laws, raise taxes, and regulate trade.

The U.S. government was created to protect individual rights, maintain order, ensure national security, resolve conflict, provide services, and promote the public good.

A system of government where a single dictator holds absolute power, controlling all aspects of life with no limitations.

A form of government where a small, elite group makes all decisions for their own benefit. Membership may be based on wealth, family, or military power.

A form of government where citizens directly participate in making laws and selecting leaders.

A form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. It is an indirect form of democracy.

The principle that everyone is born equal and deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The principle that government is bound by recognized and enforced limits.

The principle that the majority rules, but the rights of the minority are protected.

The idea that the government's power is limited to protect individual rights and prevent abuse. This means government leaders are not above the law.

A system where each branch of government can check the actions of the other two branches to prevent abuse of power.

The power of the judicial branch to review government actions and declare them unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution.

A system of government where power is shared between the federal government and state governments, allowing states to protect their own interests.

This clause gives Congress the power to make any laws "necessary and proper" to carry out its enumerated powers, expanding Congress's authority.

A type of categorical grant where a large sum of money is given to states or local governments for specific purposes.

The process by which the House of Representatives can formally accuse a president, vice president, federal judge, or other federal official of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

A process where the President refuses to sign a bill into law and sends it back to Congress with a written explanation, giving Congress the chance to override the veto.

The process by which a bill is held by the President for 10 days, during which time Congress adjourns and the bill automatically dies.

A compromise reached during the Constitutional Convention that balanced the interests of large and small states. It created a bicameral legislature with the Senate representing states equally and the House of Representatives based on population.

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution guarantee fundamental rights to citizens. They were added to appease Anti-Federalists who feared a powerful central government.

This amendment enshrines the right to free speech, religion, press, assembly, and petitioning the government. It is the foundation of free public expression and dissent.

The right to keep and bear arms is affirmed by this amendment. It sparked debate on gun control and self-defense. Interpretation is complex and ongoing.

This Amendment restricts the government's ability to quarter soldiers in private homes without consent. It protects personal property and privacy.

This amendment guards individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. It requires warrants based on probable cause, making it a key tool in protecting privacy.

This amendment protects the rights of individuals accused of crimes, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and protection against self-incrimination. This is known as Miranda Rights.