1popular sovereignty
all poli power resides in the people. the gov can only make changes w the consent of the people
2republicanism
a system in which the people elect reps at regular intervals to conduct the business of gov and make decisions on their behalf
3limited gov
the gov is not all-powerful. gov can only do things have given it power to do and that are listed constitution
4individual rights
the liberties of indies w/out interference from othersov
5separation of powers
legs, exec, and jud powers are placed into 3 distinct and indie branches of gov
6checks and balances
each branch is subject to multiple constitional restraints by the other 2 branches
7federalism
the division of power among a central and several regional govs
8rule of law
every person, even the leaders of gov, are subject to well-defined and est laws
9importance of magna carta
midwife of democracy, limits king's power, evolves over time to be more equal
10magna carta
peace agreement btwn kind john and his barons
11clause 39
no freeman should be seized/imprisoned/stripped of rights
12what did the magna carta establish?
principle that arbitrary punishment is wrong, king agreeing to obey the law
13social contract
an agreement where citizens give up some rights in exchange for gov protection
14state of nature
life with complete freedom, no rules, and no gov
15what was the underlying goal of the colonists in the doi?
to break away from britain