We the People: Unit 1 Vocabulary

What were the Founder’s basic ideas about government?

natural rightsRights of all people to life, liberty and

propertyPeople have these rights because they are

human.

state of natureno government and no laws

constitutional governmentGovernment where there are limits on the

person or group in power

checks and balancesPowers of government are balancedNo one branch of government has too much

power

separation of powersThere are three branches of government that

all have a special job.

judicial branchPower to make decisions about the meaning,

application and enforcement of laws

executive branchPower to carry out and enforce the laws

legislative branchPower to make the laws

constitutionFramework of laws for the government

civic virtuePeople are willing to give up what they want

to look out for others’ needs.

higher lawA set of laws that organize and limit the

government. All people, including leaders ,must obey the higher law.

Foundersgovernmental leaders of the coloniesExamples: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams,

George Washington

social contractTo create rules and laws and agree to obey

themExample: Mayflower Compact