Module 1

Limited Government

A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic, emphasizing liberty and inalienable rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

Natural Rights

Rights that individuals are born with, such as life, liberty, and property, as articulated by John Locke.

Social Contract

The theory that individuals unite into a society by a mutual agreement to create a government that will protect their rights.

John Locke

An Enlightenment thinker who advocated for natural rights and the social contract as the basis for legitimate government.

Federalist 10

An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic can better guard against factions and tyranny of the majority.

Separation of Powers

A framework in which government power is divided among different branches to prevent any one group from gaining too much control.

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches to prevent abuse of power.

Ideals Indicated in the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration emphasizes equality, natural rights, consent of the governed, and the right to alter or abolish oppressive governments.

Ideals Indicated in the Constitution

The Constitution promotes federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and the protection of individual rights.

Drawbacks of the Articles of Confederation

Weak central government, no power to tax, no national military, and inability to regulate commerce or enforce laws.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy in which citizens have the power to make decisions directly or influence decisions closely.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy where multiple groups compete to influence policymaking, ensuring no single group dominates.

Elite Democracy

A model of democracy where decisions are made by elected representatives or elites, who are more educated and experienced.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution, such as the power to coin money and regulate commerce.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically assigned to the federal government by the Constitution. (Includes both enumerated and implied powers)

Reserved Powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments, such as the power to tax and build roads.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Federalists and Their Support for the Constitution

Advocates for the Constitution who believed in a strong central government to maintain order and stability.

Anti-Federalists and Their Opposition to the Constitution

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government and demanded a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between the national and state governments.

Dual Federalism

A system where the state and federal governments operate independently in their own spheres of power.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where the state and federal governments collaborate on policies and programs.

New Federalism

A movement to return more power and responsibilities to state governments; Term coined by Nixon

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A Supreme Court case that established the supremacy of federal laws over state laws and validated the use of implied powers.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

A Supreme Court case that limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, ruling that gun-free school zones were beyond federal jurisdiction.

No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

A federal law aimed at improving education by holding schools accountable for student performance.

Issues the Bill of Rights Leaves Unresolved

Vagueness in rights application, such as balancing individual rights with societal needs and addressing unenumerated rights.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual freedoms and rights.

Patriot Act

A law passed after 9/11 expanding government surveillance powers to prevent terrorism, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties.

Federalist 51

An essay by James Madison advocating for the separation of powers and checks and balances to protect against tyranny.

Commerce Clause

A clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce.

14th Amendment

An amendment guaranteeing equal protection under the law and due process to all citizens.

Ratification Process

The process of formally approving the Constitution or an amendment, requiring approval by three-fourths of the states.