Foundations of American Government

Limited government

Limited government

A political system where the government's power is restricted by law, usually in a written constitution.

Natural rights

Rights that people have inherently, not granted by government, including life, liberty, and property.

John Locke

English philosopher who argued for natural rights and the social contract theory.

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 are created and sustained by the consent of its people.

The "Grand Committee"

A committee formed at the Constitutional Convention to resolve disputes between large and small states.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring the 13 American colonies independent of Great Britain, adopted on July 4, 1776.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, in effect from 1781 to 1789.

Preamble

The introductory statement to the U.S. Constitution, outlining the document's purpose and guiding principles.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, originally comprising seven articles and a Bill of Rights.

Representative democracy

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Participatory democracy

A system of government where citizens have a direct role in decision-making and policy creation.

Pluralist democracy

A model of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policy-making process.

Elite democracy

A theory of democracy that limits the citizens' role to choosing among competing leaders.

Federalist #10

An essay by James Madison in which he argues that a large republic is the best way to control factions.

Brutus #1

An Anti-Federalist essay arguing against the Constitution, fearing the centralization of power.

Central government

The government at the national level, as opposed to local or state governments.

Reserved powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, which are reserved for the states.

Republic

A form of government in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives.

Factions

Groups of people, such as political parties or interest groups, united by a common interest.

Shay's Rebellion

An armed uprising in Massachusetts in 1786-1787, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Virginia Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for the states.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature with proportional and equal representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention determining that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for representation and taxation.

Slave Trade Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention to ban the importation of slaves after 1808.

Ex post facto law

A law that retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions that were committed before the enactment of the law.

Bill of attainder

A legislative act that declares a person or group guilty of a crime and punishes them without a trial.

Electoral College

The body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution to formally elect the President and Vice President.

Article IV

Article of the U.S. Constitution outlining the relationship between states and the federal government.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Constitutional clause requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Constitutional clause preventing states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Amendment process

The process outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution for proposing and ratifying amendments.

Article V

Article of the U.S. Constitution detailing the amendment process.

Article VI

Article of the U.S. Constitution establishing the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Supremacy Clause

Constitutional provision declaring the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the supreme law of the land.

Article VII

Article of the U.S. Constitution detailing the ratification process.

Ratification

The formal approval process of the U.S. Constitution by the states.

Checks and balances

A system in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches.

Separation of powers

The division of governmental responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent one group from having too much power.

Federalist #51

An essay by James Madison advocating for a system of checks and balances in government.

Tyranny of the majority

The tendency of democracies to allow the majority to dominate the minority, potentially infringing on rights.

Multiple policy access points

The idea that there are multiple ways for groups to participate in and influence the policy-making process.

Impeachment

The process of charging a government official with a crime or other serious wrongdoing.

Exclusive powers

Powers that only the federal government possesses, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

Concurrent powers

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

Federal balance of power

The distribution of power between the federal government and state governments.

Dual federalism

A system in which the federal and state governments are co-equals, each sovereign in its own sphere.

"Layer Cake" federalism

A metaphor for dual federalism, where the powers and responsibilities of the federal and state governments are clearly divided.

Cooperative federalism

A system in which the federal and state governments work together to address policy issues.

"Marble Cake" federalism

A metaphor for cooperative federalism, where the powers and responsibilities of the federal and state governments are intertwined.

Fiscal federalism

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system.

Grants

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

Incentives

Rewards or punishments used to encourage states to act in a certain way.

Conditions-of-aid

Terms set by the federal government that states must meet to receive certain funds.

Revenue sharing

The distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments.

Mandates

Requirements imposed by the federal government that states must follow.

Clean Air Act (1970)

Federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level.

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

Federal law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Categorical grants

Federal grants with specific purposes and restrictions on how the money is spent.

Block grants

Federal grants given to states for more general purposes with fewer restrictions on how the money is spent.

Tenth Amendment

Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Commerce Clause

Constitutional clause giving Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among states, and with Indian tribes.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Constitutional clause giving Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Enumerated powers

Powers specifically granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred from the necessary and proper clause.

Inherent powers

Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inherent to the national government.

State sovereignty

The independent authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions without interference.

Supreme Court of the United States

The highest federal court in the United States, with the power of judicial review.

Statute

A written law passed by a legislative body.

Unfunded mandate

A regulation or policy imposed by the federal government on states without providing funding to implement it.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Landmark Supreme Court case establishing the principle of national supremacy and the implied powers of Congress.

United States vs. Lopez (1995)

Supreme Court case limiting the scope of the Commerce Clause and federal power over states.