Document that proclaimed a new nation - the United States of America - on July 4, 1776.

The two major parties in American politics.

Changes in, or additions to, the Constitution.

It became important in the late 1990s.

The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

The Great Charter forced on King John of England by barons-1215; power of monarchy not absolute.

Won 7 of 9 presidential elections; Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, & L. Johnson were in this era.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution (ratified in 1791).

It became important in the late 1940s & early 1950s.

All the things a government decides to do.

This document established "a firm league of friendship" among the United States from 1781-1789.

Won 7 of 10 presidential elections; Nixon, Reagan, George HW Bush, & George W Bush were this era.

The Constitution is divided into seven of these numbered sections.

It became important in the early 1920s.

Form of government in which the supreme authority rests with the people.

Written by Parliament; agreed to by William & Mary (1689); prevents English monarchs' abuse of power.

Won 14 of 18 pres. elections; Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant, Theodore Roosevelt were this era.

System of govt.; a constitution divides the powers of govt. b/w national & state governments.

They became important in the mid-1700s.

Form of government in which the leader has absolute power and authority.

Document prepared by English Parliament and signed by Charles I; challenged divine right of kings.

Won 13 of 15 presidential elections; James Madison, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson were this era.

The Constitution and the laws and treaties of the U.S. are the supreme law of the land.

They became important in the mid-1800s.

People in defined territory w/ power to make & enforce law without consent of higher authority.