the structure of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that sets up three branches with their own distinct powers and responsibilities

the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments; life, liberty, and property

an implied agreement among the people of an organized society that defines the rights, duties, and limitations of the governed and the government

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

an agreement made by the people to establish a government and abide by its laws

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

believed each person should possess natural rights at birth (protected by the government). They also must follow natural law (government law). They should also have life, liberty and property. If the government does not meet your needs, you can overthrow it. If you do not hold up your end, you can be arrested because the people create the laws.

believed that governments should have their powers separated. He felt each government should have a separation of powers. This is why we have the legislative (congress), executive (the president) judicial (supreme court) branches of our government today.

representatives from each of the 13 colonies who decided to meet and write a document stating their reasons for separation and independence from England