| A | B |
|---|
| John Locke | Philosopher well known for his theory regarding life, liberty and property. |
| Thomas Hobbes | Philosopher who had a pessimistic viewpoint of humanity. |
| Charles Montesquieu | Philosopher who influenced the U.S. Constitution's system of checks and balances. |
| Jacques Rousseau | Philosopher who supported universal suffrage and a cynical view of the rich. |
| Classical Republicanism | Society in which the common good (or good of the whole) is more important than an individual's wants/needs. |
| Natural Rights Theory | Political theory that states a social contract allows a government to be existence with the purpose of protecting its citizens' rights. |
| Magna Carta | English document from that set up the rule of law. |
| Petition of Right | English document that guaranteed the British subjects' protection from housing troops and taxation without representation. |
| Writ of Habeas Corpus | English law that guaranteed an accused's right to know why he is in custody. |
| Articles of Confederation | Document that set up the U.S. first national government. |
| Declaration of Independence | Document that announced and justified the Colonies' revolt. |
| English Parliament | Inspired the adoption of bicameral legislatures in the Colonies. |
| Shays Rebellion | Event that triggered a change to the Article of Confederation. |
| Writs of Assistance | English law that mandated that the Colonists allow British soldiers to live with them. |
| Revolution | Option available to citizens when its government is not upholding their natural rights. |
| April 15, 1776 | Event that triggered the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. |
| September 17, 1787 | Date in which the writing of the U.S. Constitution was complete. |
