Foundations: Background to American History

the public act by which the Second Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776, declared the Colonies to be free and independent of England; mostly written by Thomas Jefferson.

written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and subsequently ratified by the original thirteen states; replaced the Articles of Confederation; established a new national government.

first ten amendments to the Constitution; individual rights.

prosperous merchant from Boston and President of the Continental congress. Most recognizable signature of the Declaration of Independence.

Physician, educator, and humanitarian. Father of American medicine.

Appointed by President Washington as the first Supreme Court justice of the U.S.; helped write the Federalist Papers.

power of the government over property.

sent to U.S. by the French government to study its prisons in order to help the French government reform theirs

protection against tyrannical governments; freedom

society of equals

free to flourish without hereditary distinctions.

participation of the common people in political life.

meaning;out of many (comes) one. Meant to show that several states had joined to create one nation.

U.S. national motto. Used on coins since 1864; now printed on all American money.

rights that cannot be taken away; such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

powers that are divided between the federal government and the state governments

division of the federal government into three separate branches; executive, legislative, and judicial.

to prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful by placing checks; on each branch by the other two branches

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Right to bear arms

No quartering of Soldiers

protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures

Criminal Proceedings; Due Process; Eminent Domain; Double Jeopardy; Protection from Self incrimination

Criminal Proceedings; Must inform defendant of charge/s; Right to Attorney; Right to fair impartial jury

Right to jury in civil trials.

no cruel and unusual punishment

Citizens entitled to rights not listed in the Constitution

Asserts that powers not delegated to the national government or denied to the states are reserved to the states.

original federal constitution drafted by the Continental Congress in 1777