Government and Political Concepts

Front

Checks and Balances

Back

The power of one branch of government to limit the power of other branches, in order to ensure that no branch is more powerful than another.

Front

Consent of the Governed

Back

An agreement made by the people to establish a government and abide by its laws.

Front

Enlightenment

Back

A period in European history when many educated people stressed the importance of learning and reasoning; education was considered the key to understanding and solving society’s problems.

Front

Individual Liberty

Back

A person’s ability to be free and independent.

Front

Influence

Back

Having an effect or impact on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others.

Front

Limited Government

Back

The idea that the government should have certain restrictions in order to protect the individual rights and civil liberties of citizens; a government only has the power that’s been given to it.

Front

Natural Law

Back

Laws passed by government to protect natural rights.

Front

Natural Rights

Back

The belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments; life, liberty, and property.

Front

Separation of Powers

Back

To divide a government into parts, with each part having its own purpose.

Front

Social Contract

Back

An implied agreement among the people of an organized society that defines the rights, duties, and limitations of the governed and the government.