checks and balances
a principle of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches
consent of the governed
an agreement made by the people to establish a government and abide by its laws
Enlightenment
a period in European history when many educated people stressed the importance of learning and reasoning; education was considered the key to understanding and solving society's problems
individual liberty
a person's ability to be free and independent
influence
having an effect or impact on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others
natural law
laws passed by government to protect natural rights
natural rights
the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments; life, liberty, and property
separation of powers
the structure of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that sets up three branches with their own distinct powers and responsibilities
social contract
an implied agreement among the people of an organized society that defines the rights, duties, and limitations of the governed and the government
Founding Fathers
representatives from each of the 13 colonies who decided to meet and write a document stating their reasons for separation and independence from England