John Locke
Declared all individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
Baron de Montesquieu
French thinker who came up with the concept of separation of powers.
Republic
Government in which citizens ruled themselves through elected representatives.
Separation of Powers
Powers of government must be clearly defined and divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches..
Private Property
Property owned by an individual.
Habeas Corpus
No person may be held in prison without being charged with a specific crime.
Dictatorship
A government in which one person or a small group holds complete authority.
Preamble
Describes the purpose of government set up by the constitution.
Articles
The seven sections of the Constitution. They provide the framework for the Constitution.
Amendments
Formal changes that have been made to the Constitution.
Repeal
Cancel.
Popular Sovereignty
Asserts that the people are the primary source for the government’s authority.
Limited Government
The government has only the powers that the Constitution gives it.
Checks and Balances
Each branch of the government has the power to check or limit the powers of the other two branches.
Federalism
The principle of division of power between the federal government and the states.
Bill (non person)
Proposal for a new law.
Veto (non person)
Reject
Override
Pass a law despite a presidential veto.
Appeal
Ask that the decision of a lower court be reviewed by a higher court.
Jurisdiction
The power to hear and decide cases.
All citizens responsibilities.
- Obey all federal, state and local laws
- Pay their fair share of taxes
- Serve our juries if called
- Defend the nation if called
Good Citizens should:
- Vote in federal state and local elections
- Stay informed on important issues
- Serve the community
- Help to create a just society
