Definition: Facts

Terms used in feudalism

Sentence. . .

(sentence should inc. the term “noblemen” & “serfs” in order to demonstrate your understanding of the word)

1. feudalism

Kings would allow noblemen/lords to use lands that belonged to himEuropean system to protect

the people from enemy invaders

• serfs: landless peasants who were forced to work for noblemen

• noblemen: were few in number; held control over the serfs

The noblemen/lords had to fight for the king & protect the serfs

Definition: Picture or Sentence

As a result . . What it was not . . .

2. colony

• land claimed by another country;

• the “mother country” maintains political & economic control of the colony

(use the term “colony” in the sentence)

• the colony is stripped of natural resources in order to make the “mother” country more powerful

• Not good for indigenous people

3. natural rightsWhat it was . . . What it did . . . Sentence

• An idea promoted by John Locke, famous English philosopher

• Led to “The Enlightenment Movement” which spread from England to the colonies

• had a huge impact on colonial leadership (our Founding Fathers)

(sentence should inc. the term “natural rights”

& it should demonstrate your understanding of the word)

• people are born with these rights because they are human beings

Natural rights: Life, Liberty & Property

4. social contract theoryWhat it was . . . What it did . . . Sentence• an idea

supported by John Locke

• led colonists to believe they should revolt

against Britain

(sentence should inc. the term “social contract theory”

& it should demonstrate your understanding of the word)

• the will of the people gives

power & direction to government

• PEOPLE MUST REVOLT IF GOVERNMENT ABUSES ITS POWER

• Colonists no longer believed that Kings/Queens were ordained by God—religious leaders do not make decisions about government

5. republic / republicanism

republic

SENTENCE: (use the term “republic” in a sentence to demonstrate the meaning of the word)

the government gets its power

from the citizens

Individuals must place the

good of the country above

their own interests

promotes the idea of

the “common

good”

people vote for representatives to govern them

Definition: Sentence or Picture

In colonial era . . .

In the U.S. today . . .

6. Representative Government

(use the term “representative government” in the sentence)

Individuals are elected to represent the people they serve

• the Colonial Assembly (House of Burgesses-VA)• each colony had their own

colonial assembly

• the U.S. Congress• the President of the United

States

7. constitutionDefinition This means . . . Sentence or Pic

• Can be written or unwritten (passed down thru tradition)

• Every nation has a constitution

(sentence should inc. the term “constitution”

& it should demonstrate your understanding of the word)

• explains how a government is organized and how it functions

• Both “good” & “bad”

governments have constitutions

8. limited governmentDefinition What it meant . . . Sentence

• a “constitutional government” is limited by the specific words/content of the country’s constitution

• Government leaders have to

follow the laws—just like its citizens do

1. Sentence should include the term “limited government”

&2. it should demonstrate your understanding of the word

• Government has limitations—it can’t just do whatever it wants to do!

• The rights of the people cannot be taken away by the

government

Definition: Picture

What It Is . . .

9. Separation of Power—Constitutional Principle

Sentence:

(use “separation of power” in a sentence to demonstrate the meaning of the term)

Our government is divided into 3 branches

• Legislative, Executive, & Judicial Branches

Keeps too much political power from one individual or group

• Each branch has specific duties & responsibilities.

Definition: Each branch . . . Picture

Examples . . . .

10. Checks & Balances—Constitutional Principle

Sentence:

(use “checks & balances” in a sentence to demonstrate the meaning of the term)

• has equal power

• President must sign all new legislation (laws)

• “checks” the decisions of other branches

• Senate must approve presidential appointments

• can stop another branch from doing something it doesn’t approve of

• Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional