He described the separation of political power among a legislature, an executive, and a judiciary. Founding Fathers used his views when writing
the Constitution.

Any government whose authority and construction are
defined by a constitution.

No one is above the law.

Protects five freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

He wrote that government is morally obligated to serve people, namely by protecting their natural rights of life, liberty, and property. Think-Declaration of Independence

Powers of government are divided among three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Limits the power of government.

Group of laws that refer to disputes among people or organizations.

Protects the right to bear arms

belief that the state only exists to serve the will of the people. He believed when government violates individual rights, people were obligated to rebel.
Think - Declaration of Independence/American Revolution

Each governmental branch has powers to limit (check) the other branches. Keeps the balance of power relatively equal between the branches. Montesquieu believed this was a way to ensure liberty.

Group of laws that define what acts/activities are crimes. Describes how a person accused of a crime should be tried in court and how crimes should be punished

No soldiers will be quartered (housed) without the consent of the owners during times of peace.

First document to limit the powers of the king - signed in 1215. Citizens could not be deprived of life, liberty or property without a lawful judgment of their peers or by law of the land. Represented by the fifth amendment.

Supporters of the Constitution who believe a strong national government is needed to keep the country united.

Based on the Constitution and on Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution

Protects against unreasonable search and seizures without a warrant or probable cause.

Established freedom from taxation without
representation, outlawed cruel and unusual punishment, guaranteed the right to bear arms,
and many other rights. Many of these same rights are included in the U.S. Constitution.

Feared a strong federal government as created by the Constitution. Did not believe it would protect states' rights nor people's freedom. As the Constitution is ratified, they push for a "Bill of Rights" to protect individual liberties.

Laws that are passed by a law-making body (such as Congress). Most criminal and many civil laws are also these types of laws.

1. Before being tried for a serious crime a grand jury must indict
(formally accuse) the person of the crime.
2. Protects against being tried for the same criminal offense twice.
3. Protects against self-incrimination.
4. Cannot be deprived of rights without due process of the law.
5. Allows for eminent domain.