1Common Sense
A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 to convince the colonists that it was time to become independent.
2English Bill of Rights
A government document that expanded the powers of the English Parliament and expanded the rights of the people, as well as further limited the rights of the king; written by the members of the English Parliament in 1689
3Due Process
The idea that people have the right to fair and reasonable laws, and that government leaders and officials have to follow rules when enforces laws and treat all people in the same way.
4Limited Government
A government in which the king or queen shares authority with an elected legislature and agrees to be bound by a constitution or a set of laws, also known as a constitutional monarchy.
5Magna Carta
a government document that limited the power of the king of England and protected the rights of the nobility; written by the English nobles in 1215
6Mayflower Compact
an agreement between individuals that created a government that would provide order and protect the rights of the colonists; written by a group of English Puritans in Massachusetts in 1620
7Preamble
The introduction of the U.S Constitution
8Rights
A set of things people believe they should be free to do without restrictions.
9Rule of law
a concept that those who govern are bound by the laws; no one is above the law
10Self-Government
popular or representative system where the people create and run their own government
11Compact
an official agreement made by two or more parties
12individual rights
rights guaranteed or belonging to a person
13legislature
governing body responsible for making laws
14Representation
a person or group acting on behalf of another person or group
15Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
first written constitution in America, included religious freedom
16Declaration of Independence 1776
1776 statement, issued by the Second Continental Congress, explaining why the colonies wanted independence from Britain.
17Articles of Confederation
A weak constitution that governed America during the Revolutionary War.
18Bill of Rights, 1791
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The amendments secure key rights for individuals and reserve to the states all powers not explicitly delegated or prohibited by the Constitution.
19U.S. Constitution (1787)
Replaced the Articles of Confederation and established a functioning government. Established (1) federalist system, (2) separation of powers, (3) checks and balances, (4) Bill of Rights.
20House of Burgesses
1619 - The Virginia House of Burgesses formed, the first legislative body in colonial America.