Unit 1: Foundations of American Government

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Popular sovereignty

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The idea that the power of government comes from the consent of the governed.

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Natural rights

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Basic rights people are born with, such as life, liberty, and property.

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Magna Carta

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The document signed in 1215 that limited the power of the English monarch.

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Mayflower Compact

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A social contract in which the Pilgrims agreed to form a government and abide by its rules.

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Common Sense

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Written by Thomas Paine; it argued for independence from Britain and the creation of a democratic republic.

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Unalienable rights

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Rights that cannot be taken away or denied.

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Enlightenment thinkers

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John Locke and Montesquieu, who influenced the U.S. Founding Fathers.

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Republicanism

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A form of government where the people elect representatives to make decisions.

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Government power from the people

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The principle of popular sovereignty.

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Articles of Confederation

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The main purpose was to establish a weak national government where most powers remained with the states.