1.
the first representative legislative assembly in the English colonies, established in Virginia in 1619; it allowed elected delegates (burgesses) to make local laws and set a precedent for self-government in colonial America.
2.
an agreement signed by Pilgrim leaders aboard the Mayflower in 1620 that established a basic form of self-government and rule of law for the Plymouth Colony; it emphasized that authority derived from the consent of the governed.
3.
an intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, science, individual rights, and skepticism of traditional authority; it influenced political revolutions and modern democratic ideas.
4.
an Enlightenment philosopher who argued that people have natural rights and that government is formed to protect those rights; he supported the right to revolt against governments that fail to do so.
5.
Fundamental rights believed to belong to all people by virtue of human nature, often listed as life, liberty, and property (or the pursuit of happiness).
6.
A governmental structure that divides authority among branches (typically legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent concentration of power and protect liberty.
7.
A philosophical idea that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some freedoms and accept authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights and social order.
8.
Institutional mechanisms that allow each branch of government to limit the powers of the others, ensuring accountability and preventing abuse.
9.
An Enlightenment thinker that argued people need a strong ruler because life without government would be chaotic; people give up some freedom in a social contract for safety.
10.
An Enlightenment thinker that said people are born with natural rights (life, liberty, property) and governments must protect those rights; people may replace rulers who fail them.
11.
An Enlightenment thinker that recommended splitting government power into separate branches so each checks the others and no one becomes too powerful.
12.
An Enlightenment thinker that believed people are naturally good but corrupted by society; supported the “general will” and direct democracy by the majority.
13.
An Enlightenment thinker that defended free speech and religious freedom, criticizing rule by privilege and urging governments to protect individual liberties.
