U.S. Government and Constitutional Principles

These flashcards encapsulate key concepts and vocabulary from U.S. government and constitutional principles.

Articles of Confederation

The first 'Constitution' of the United States aimed to keep power within the states and limit central government power.

Anti-Federalists

Individuals who opposed the Constitution, supporting state power due to fear of a monarchy.

Bill of Rights

A part of the Constitution that lists the individual rights of citizens, added to appease Anti-Federalists.

Block grants

National funds distributed to states with minimal restrictions on their use, preferred for state flexibility.

Checks and balances

A government design that allows each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Categorical grants

National funds distributed to states with specific requirements on their use.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate interstate business and commercial activity.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxation.

Declaration of Independence

Document asserting the colonies' separation from Britain and their reasons for seeking independence.

Devolution

The process of redistributing power back to state or local governments.

14th Amendment (Due Process Clause)

States that natural rights cannot be taken away without legal due process.

14th Amendment (Equal Protection Clause)

Ensures the federal government protects individuals from state discrimination.

Electoral College

Body that elects the President, based on the popular vote outcome in each state.

Enumerated powers

Specifically stated powers of the federal government in the Constitution.

Elite democracy

A form of democracy where a wealthy minority has significant control over government.

Exclusive power

Powers reserved solely for the federal government.

Formal amendment

An official change to the Constitution, requiring supermajorities to propose and ratify.

Federalist Paper #10

Written by James Madison, addressing the problem of factions and their impact.

Federalist Paper #51

Explores separation of powers and checks and balances in government.

Federalism

A system where power is divided between federal and state governments.

Factions

Groups that pursue specific interests, often disregarding others.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong central government.

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 writings aimed at promoting ratification of the Constitution.

Full faith and credit

Principle that legal documents and proceedings in one state are valid in others.

Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature combining population-based and equal representation.

Implied powers

Federal powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary for government function.

Impeachment of the president

The process by which a president can be removed for serious offenses.

Intrastate commerce

Trade and business activities conducted within a single state.

Informal amendment

Changes in the Constitution that do not involve altering its text.

Judicial review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is constitutional.

Limited government

Concept that government powers should be restricted to protect individual rights.

McCulloch v Maryland (1819)

Supreme Court case affirming federal supremacy and implied powers.

Privileges and immunities

Clause preventing states from discriminating against out-of-state citizens.

Mandates

Federal requirements that states must follow without federal funding.

Natural rights

Fundamental rights of individuals that cannot be taken away.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows for the creation of laws deemed necessary for executing federal powers.

Pluralist democracy

Theory emphasizing the influence of diverse groups in politics.

Participatory democracy

A system encouraging widespread citizen engagement in government.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that government authority comes from the people.

Revenue sharing

Federal grants with few restrictions on how funds can be used.

Removal of the president

The process by which a president can be removed through the Senate.

Republicanism

A system where government authority is derived from the people's consent.

Reserved powers

Powers primarily held by the states, not the federal government.

Separation of powers

Government structure dividing power across legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Shay's Rebellion

An uprising that highlighted weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Social contract theory

Philosophy suggesting individuals give up some freedoms for societal benefits.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.

US v Lopez (1995)

Court case questioning the extent of federal power under the Commerce Clause.

3/5ths Compromise

Agreement counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation.

10th Amendment

Affirms that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.