Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

Republic

form of government in which people elect leaders to make decisions for them

Government

institutions through which policies are made for society

Pluralist democracy

theory of democracy emphasizing the competition and compromise between groups with shared interests so that no single group dominates

negative view- hyperpluralism- too many interest groups have caused gridlock

elite democracy

A political system in which the privileged classes acquire the power to decide by a competition for the people's votes and have substantial freedom between elections to rule as they see fit.

Social Contract

John Locke- people give up power to the government in exchange for protection of their natural rights

Limited government

idea that there are restrictions on the government and that no one is above the law

Writ of habeas corpus

court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner

federalism

division of power between the national and state governments

enumerated powers

powers actually listed/spelled out in the Constitution for the national government- declare war, print money, regulate interstate trade, copyrights, etc

also known as delegated or expressed powers of Congress

implied powers

come from the necessary and proper clause- expanded the power of the national government- upheld by McCulloch v. Maryland- power to create national bank

cooperative federalism "Marble Cake"

division of power between states and national government is unclear- like a marble cake- they share responsibilities, administration of programs, etc

categorical grants

Money from the federal government to the states in which money must be spent in a specific way

block grants

money from the federal government to the states that may be used in a broad way giving more discretion to the states

mandates

requirements from the federal government that states must follow- sometimes they may be unfunded. usually tied in some way to federal money. Ex: No Child Left Behind

fiscal federalism

process by which the federal government attempts to influence state action by offering grants or tying federal money to a program they want states to follow

Plurality

Gets the most votes but does not receive a majority which is 50% + 1

Amendment process

Need a proposal + ratification step

Proposal= passes 2/3 of both houses of Congress* OR 2/3 states force Congress to call a convention

Ratification= passes 3/4 state legislatures* OR 3/4 state ratifiying conventions

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the new Constitution- wanted more power to rest with the states, concerned about a strong central government, and wanted a Bill of Rights to protect liberties

Checks and balances

limits the power of the government by requiring each branch to have some power over the other branches to make sure none get too powerful

Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise)

Established a bicameral legislature- representation in House of Reps based on population and representation in Senate is equal- all have 2

Ex post facto laws

retroactive law- prohibited to national government (Article I, sec. 9) and to the states (Art. I, sec.10)

factions

groups such as parties or interest groups- according to Fed. 10 the most enduring is haves/have nots

Impeachment

bringing charges against- just need simple majority- House can bring charges against President for Treason, Bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors.

Senate will hold the trial and vote if they should be removed from office. Need 2/3 of Senate to remove (Chief Justice of S Ct presiding over trial)

Madisonian system

Set up as a way to protect majority rule/minority rights. Done by: separation of powers into 3 branches each with own responsibility, checks and balances- each has power over others, and federalism- states and federal gov't share power

Natural rights

rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on government. Include life, liberty, and property. Central to John Locke's theory of government

New Jersey Plan

Small state plan- wanted a unicameral legislature with representation equal for all states

Popular sovereignty

authority of the government is based on the consent of the governed

Separation of powers

divides the government into 3 branches each with its own responsibility and relatively independent of others so one can't control others

Legisalative= makes laws

Executive= enforces laws

Judicial= interprets laws

3/5 Compromise

Compromise at Constitutional Convention- for the purposes of apportioning representatives in Congress and for taxation- the slave population would count as 3/5

Virginia Plan

Big state plan- wanted a bicameral legislature with representation based on the population of each state

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared between states and national government: collect taxes, build roads, punish criminals, promote general welfare

Grants-in-aid

federal funds appropriated by Congress for distribution to states and local governments- can be categorical or block. Used in fiscal federalism

Inherent powers

The powers of the national government in the field of affairs that the Supreme Court has declared do not depend on constitutional grants but rather grow out of the very existence of the national government.

Ex: acquire territory, regulate immigration, etc

Revenue sharing

distribution of a fixed amount or share of federal tax revenues to the states for spending on almost any government purpose. The program was ended in 1986.

Shay's Rebellion

uprising following the American Revolution- local farmers fought against tax collection

Demonstrated the need for the national government to have more power- specifically to call up an army to put down a rebellion

participatory democracy

a theory of democracy that holds that citizens should actively and directly control all aspects of their lives

reserved powers

Powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states belong to the states and the people

10th amendment- helped with a concern of Anti-Federalists

Republic

A form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws.

Different from direct democracy where people would vote on everything.

US has a republic

Federalists

A term used to describe supporters of the Constitution during ratification debates in state legislatures. Wanted a strong national government

Slave Trade Compromise

Congress could not regulate or outlaw slavery or slave trade until 1808 in exchange for granting federal government the power to regulate commerce

bill of attainder

a law that punishes a person accused of a crime without a trial or a fair hearing in court

Electoral College

the body of electors who formally elect the United States president and vice-president

Each state receives votes in EC based on total number of Congress members for state (House + Senate members)

Ratification

Formal approval

States must ratify any amendment to constitution

tyranny of the majority

The potential of a majority to monopolize power for its own gain to the detriment of minority rights and interests.

one of biggest fears of Founders

Dual Federalism "Layer cake"

A system of government in which both the states and the national government remain supreme within their own spheres, each responsible for some policies.

Clear division between national and state governments

incentives

a positive or negative stimulus from federal government that motivates behavior of states