Gov. Chapter 2, Origins of American Government

Limited Government: Restricts government powers, safeguarding individual rights.
Representative Government: Ensures the government reflects the people's will and involves them in its processes.

Magna Carta (1215): First document to limit king's authority, signed by King John.
Petition of Right (1628): Signed by Charles I, emphasized that even monarchs must follow the law, challenging divine right.
English Bill of Rights: Established by William and Mary, outlined fundamental human rights.

Charter: King’s written grant of authority to govern a territory.
Bicameral Legislature: A two-house legislative system for governance.
Proprietary Colony: Established and governed by a proprietor with significant autonomy.
Royal Colony: Governed by officials appointed by the king (e.g., New Hampshire, Virginia).

New England Confederation: Early effort for colonial unity against Native American attacks.
Albany Plan of Union: Proposed annual congress for colonial delegates by Benjamin Franklin, advocating for collective action.

Popular Sovereignty: Concept that government’s power derives from the consent of the governed.
Boston Massacre (1770): British troops killed civilians during protests, escalating tensions.
Boston Tea Party: Protest led by Samuel Adams against the Tea Act, demonstrating colonial resistance.
First Continental Congress: A reaction to the Intolerable Acts, advocating for trade boycotts against Britain.
Second Continental Congress: Established as the first national government during the revolutionary struggle.

Declaration of Independence: Document declaring American intent to separate from Britain.
Articles of Confederation: Created a loose alliance among states, preserving state sovereignty.

Ratification: Process of formal approval necessary for the Constitution’s adoption.
Framers: Delegates at the Philadelphia Convention who created the Constitution.
Virginia Plan: Proposed a strong central government, with representation based on population.
New Jersey Plan: Advocated for equal representation in a unicameral legislature.

Connecticut Compromise: Established a bicameral legislature combining population-based and equal representation.
Three-Fifths Compromise: Determined that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation.
Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise: Congress granted a 20-year moratorium on regulating the slave trade and taxing exports.

Federalists: Supporters of the Constitution, advocating for a strong central government.
Anti-federalists: Opponents of the Constitution, fearing overreach of federal authority.

James Madison: Known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his significant role in its drafting.
Alexander Hamilton: A prominent Federalist who highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.