Vocabulary - Ideas that Influenced the Constitution

the freedom of private business to organize and operate for profit in a competitive system without interference by government. (opposite the British economic policy of mercantilism)

a system of government in which citizens choose representatives to govern them.

a government in which one person or a small group holds complete authority

signed in 1215, a British document that contained two basic ideas:

a. monarchs themselves have to obey the laws, AND

b. citizens have basic rights

a 1689 document that guaranteed the rights of English citizens.

the right not to be held in prison without first being charged with a specific crime.

a principle by which the powers of government are divided among separate branches.

leaders who laid the groundwork for the United States.