Core Political Philosophies, Foundational Documents, and Federalism

Vocabulary flashcards covering core political philosophies, foundational U.S. documents, constitutional clauses, key debates and compromises, and economic concepts.

Individualism

Prioritizing the freedom and independence of the individual over the group.

Egalitarianism

The belief that all people are equal in worth and entitlement to rights.

Democracy

A system where power belongs to the people.

Direct Democracy

Citizens vote directly on laws and policies.

Representative Democracy

Citizens elect leaders to govern on their behalf.

Republic

Power rests with the people and their elected representatives.

Socialism

Means of production are owned/regulated by the community or state.

Capitalism

Private individuals/businesses own the means of production to generate profit.

Liberalism

Philosophy centered on individual liberty and protection of civil rights.

Progressivism

Seeks to improve society through active government intervention.

Oligarchy

Power rests with a small, elite group.

Majority rule, minority rights

Democratic principle where the majority decides, but minority liberties are protected.

Magna Carta (1215)

Established that the government is not above the law.

Declaration of Independence

Document stating why the colonies were breaking away from Great Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution established a weak central government.

Shay’s Rebellion

Uprising by farmers that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

The Constitutional Convention (1787)

Meeting to replace the Articles with a new Constitution.

Federalism

Power is divided between national and state governments.

Separation of Powers

Power divided among three branches (legislative, executive, judicial).

Checks and Balances

Each branch can limit the powers of the others.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution and federal laws are supreme over state laws.

Commerce Clause

Congress has the power to regulate business crossing state lines.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly stated for the federal government.

Reserved Powers

Powers left to the states.

State Sovereignty

The right of states to govern themselves.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a strong national government with representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed equal representation for each state (unicameral).

Great Compromise

Created a Bicameral Legislature (House by population, Senate equal).

3/5ths Compromise

Counted 3/5 of the enslaved population for representation/taxes.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution.

Social Contract

Agreement between citizens and government defining rights/duties.

Natural Rights

Universal rights possessed by all humans.

Elite Theory

Power is concentrated in a small, wealthy minority.

Pluralist Theory

Power is dispersed among many competing interest groups.

Tradeoff Perspective

Sacrificing one goal to achieve another due to limited resources.

Public/Private/Common/Toll Goods

Economic classifications based on whether they are excludable or rivalrous.

Confederacy

A political system that gives ultimate power to individual states, in contrast to a federalist system.