Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

Limited Government

A political system where the legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated authorities.

Natural Rights

Rights that individuals have under natural law, often considered to be life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak federal government.

Constitutional Preamble

The introductory statement of the Constitution that outlines its purposes.

US Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of government.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison arguing against the dangers of factionalism.

Brutus No. 1

An anti-Federalist paper arguing against the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalists

Supporters of the proposed Constitution who favored a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the proposed Constitution who favored stronger state governments.

Central Government

The national government that holds authority over a nation.

Republic

A form of government in which the country is considered a

Shay's Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 aimed at protesting economic injustices.

The Federalist Papers

A series of essays promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a new constitution that called for a bicameral legislature.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for a new constitution that called for a unicameral legislature.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

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

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted three-fifths of the slave population for representation and taxation.

Slave Trade Compromise

An agreement that allowed the slave trade to continue until 1808.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that makes an act illegal retroactively.

Bill of Attainder

A legislative act that singles out an individual or group for punishment without a trial.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

A clause in the Constitution requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

Amendment Process

The procedure by which the Constitution can be amended.

Supremacy Clause

A clause stating that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Ratification

The official way to confirm something, usually by vote.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.

Federalist No. 51

An essay by James Madison that discusses the need for checks and balances.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

Commerce Clause

A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce.

Enumerated Powers/Delegated/Expressed/Formal Powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to implement the enumerated powers.

Concurrent (Shared) Powers

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not granted to the federal government and are reserved for the states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A clause that allows Congress to make laws it deems necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from the federal government to state or local governments.

Dual ("Layer Cake") Federalism

A clear separation of powers and responsibilities between the federal and state governments.

Cooperative ("Marble Cake") Federalism

A system where federal and state governments work together to solve problems.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relations between units of governments in a federal government system.

Grants

Funds given by the federal government to state or local governments for specific projects.

Categorical Grants

Grants that can only be used for specific purposes.

Block Grants

Grants that can be used for a wide range of purposes.

Revenue-Sharing

A policy under which the federal government shares a portion of its tax revenue with state and local governments.

Mandates

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments.

Americans with Disabilities Act

A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

10th Amendment

An amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy in which citizens have the power to make policy decisions.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy that recognizes the diversity of interests in society.

Elite Democracy

A model of democracy where a small number of elites make decisions on behalf of the masses.

Hyperpluralism theory

A theory that suggests that too many groups are trying to influence policy, leading to gridlock.

Advantages of federalism

Benefits such as increased political participation and protection of minority rights.

Disadvantages of federalism

Drawbacks such as potential for inequality and complexity in governance.

Unitary System

A system of government where power is centralized in a single national government.

Confederate System

A system of government where power is held by independent states.

Federal System

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.