1. What were the Founder’s basic ideas about government?
We the People: Unit 1
What were the Founder’s basic ideas about government?

2. natural rights Rights of all people to life, liberty and property
People have these rights because they are human.

3. state of nature
no government and no laws

4. constitutional government
Government where there are limits on the person or group in power

5. checks and balances Powers of government are balanced
No one branch of government has too much power

6. separation of powers
There are three branches of government that all have a special job.

7. judicial branch
Power to make decisions about the meaning, application and enforcement of laws

8. constitution
Framework of laws for the government

9. civic virtue
People are willing to give up what they want to look out for others needs.

10. executive branch
Power to carry out and enforce the laws

11. higher law
A set of laws that organize and limit the government. All people including leaders must obey the higher law.

12. legislative branch
Power to make the laws

13. Founders governmental leaders of the colonies
Examples: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington

14. social contract To create rules and laws and agree to obey them
Example: Mayflower Compact

15. natural rights

16. state of nature

17. constitutional government

18. checks and balances

19. separation of powers

20. judicial branch

21. constitution

22. civic virtue

23. executive branch

24. higher law

25. legislative branch

26. Founders

27. social contract