Foundations: Background to American History – Flashcards
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Declaration of Independence
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the public act by which the Second Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776, declared the Colonies to be free and independent of England; mostly written by Thomas Jefferson.
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United States Constitution
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written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and subsequently ratified by the original thirteen states; replaced the Articles of Confederation; established a new national government.
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Bill of Rights
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first ten amendments to the Constitution; individual rights.
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John Hancock
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prosperous merchant from Boston and President of the Continental congress. Most recognizable signature of the Declaration of Independence.
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Benjamin Rush
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Physician, educator, and humanitarian. Father of American medicine.
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John Jay
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Appointed by President Washington as the first Supreme Court justice of the U.S.; helped write the Federalist Papers.
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eminent domain
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power of the government over property.
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Alexis de Tocqueville
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sent to U.S. by the French government to study its prisons in order to help the French government reform theirs
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liberty
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protection against tyrannical governments; freedom
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egalitarianism
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society of equals
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individualism
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free to flourish without hereditary distinctions.
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populism
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participation of the common people in political life.
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E Pluribus Unum
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meaning;out of many (comes) one. Meant to show that several states had joined to create one nation.
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In God We Trust
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U.S. national motto. Used on coins since 1864; now printed on all American money.
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unalienable rights
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rights that cannot be taken away; such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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federalism
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powers that are divided between the federal government and the state governments
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separation of powers
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division of the federal government into three separate branches; executive, legislative, and judicial.
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checks and balances
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to prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful by placing checks; on each branch by the other two branches
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first amendment
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Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
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2nd amendment
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Right to bear arms
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3rd amendment
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No quartering of Soldiers
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4th amendment
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protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures
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5th amendment
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Criminal Proceedings; Due Process; Eminent Domain; Double Jeopardy; Protection from Self incrimination
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6th amendment
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Criminal Proceedings; Must inform defendant of charge/s; Right to Attorney; Right to fair impartial jury
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7th amendment
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Right to jury in civil trials.
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8th amendment
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no cruel and unusual punishment
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9th amendment
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Citizens entitled to rights not listed in the Constitution
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10th amendment
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Asserts that powers not delegated to the national government or denied to the states are reserved to the states.
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Articles of Confederation
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original federal constitution drafted by the Continental Congress in 1777
