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American Government
Basic Government Vocab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
constitution | A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society |
republic | A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them |
Federalists | A term used to describe supporters of the Constitution during ratification debates in state legislatures. |
Anti-Federalists | A group who opposed the ratification of the Constitution in 1787. They opposed a strong central government (tyranny) and supported states' rights. "I smell a rat!" |
natural rights | Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments; include life, liberty, and property. The concept of natural rights was central to English philosopher John Locke's theories about government and was widely accepted among America's Founders. |