Foundations of American Government

30 terms by smair

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any change to the Constitution


someone that was against the Constitution

Articles of Confederation

established the first form of national government for the independent colonies

Bill of Rights

the first 10 amendments to the Constitution

Charters of the Virginia Company of London

guaranteed the colonists the same rights as Englishmen


lawmaking body of the national government (made up of 2 houses: Senate and House of Representatives)

consent of the governed

people are the source of all governmental power, popular sovereignty

Constitution of the United States

document that outlines the structure and powers of our national government

Constitution of Virginia

document that outlines the structure and power of our state government


rule by the people


a person in favor of the Constitution

General Assembly

the lawmaking body at the state (Virginia) level of government



limited government

The government may do only what the people have given it the power to do.
ex: Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances. The government is not all powerful

Magna Carta

document that limited the powers of the King.

majority rule

do what most people want


lawmaking body in British government


introduction to the Constitution


to approve


democratic form of government, uses a representative democracy

rule of law

one of the 5 fundamental principles of government, states that all persons even those that govern must obey the law.


a law



unalienable (individual) rights

your personal rights that can not be taken away

Virginia Declaration of Rights

written by George Mason, served as a model for the Bill of Rights

Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

written by Thomas Jefferson, states that a person has the right to practice any religion he/she chooses, served as a model for religion clauses in the Constitution and Bill of Rights

Declaration of Independence

primary author Thomas Jefferson, declared the colonies independent from Great Brittain


gathering or meeting to discuss ideas

representative government

elect officials to speak and vote on our behalf in government. ex. Senators and House of Representatives members


being allowed to make your own choices

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