American Gov Midterm

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who believed that human nature is inherently selfish and that a strong sovereign is necessary to prevent chaos.

John Locke

Philosopher who believed that humans are born as 'tabula rasa' (blank slates) and can cooperate, leading to a government based on consent.

Social Contract Theory

A political theory that outlines the agreement among individuals to form a society and govern themselves.

Hobbes' view on human nature

Hobbes believed that humans are inherently selfish and competitive, leading to conflict without a strong government.

Locke's 'tabula rasa'

The concept that individuals are born as blank slates, influenced by their experiences, rather than with inherent traits.

State of nature (Hobbes vs. Locke)

Hobbes imagined a chaotic state of nature without government; Locke viewed it as a generally peaceful society.

Hobbes' Social Contract

A contract where individuals give up absolute freedom to a strong sovereign to ensure security and avoid chaos.

Locke's Social Contract

A contract based on mutual consent and the protection of natural rights, leading to a government accountable to the people.

Influence of Locke on Declaration of Independence

Locke's ideas on natural rights and government by consent directly influenced the framers of the Declaration.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising in 1786 that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, prompting calls for a stronger federal government.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between national and state governments to prevent tyranny.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures each branch of government can limit the powers of the others to prevent abuse of power.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a bicameral legislative branch favoring large states, based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for a unicameral legislature favoring small states, maintaining equal representation.

Connecticut Compromise

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

3/5th Compromise

An agreement counting enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay promoting the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalist Paper #10

An essay that addresses the dangers of factions and how a large republic can mitigate their effects.

Elastic Clause

A clause in the Constitution granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A landmark Supreme Court case that affirmed the supremacy of federal over state law and established implied powers.

Dred Scott Decision

An 1857 Supreme Court ruling that declared African Americans could not be American citizens, heightening tensions leading to the Civil War.

Interstate Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, broadening federal authority.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation that aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans, significantly expanding voting rights.

15th Amendment

Prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on race.

19th Amendment

Gives women the right to vote in the United States.

Electoral College

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

Faithless Electors

Electors who do not cast their votes for the candidates to whom they are pledged.

Lemon Test

A standard established in Lemon v. Kurtzman to assess whether a law violates the Establishment Clause.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over another.