USGAP Unit 1 Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts in American government and politics.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the government is subject to the will of the people.

Limited Government

A government structure in which powers are restricted by law, usually through a constitution.

Natural Rights

Rights that individuals are born with and cannot be taken away, as espoused by John Locke.

Social Contract

The theory that government is legitimate only if the people consent to it.

Equality of Opportunity

The belief that everyone should have the same chance to access resources without discrimination.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two houses, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to review the constitutionality of legislative acts.

Federalism

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

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers not specifically granted to the federal government, and thus reserved for the states.

Supremacy Clause

The constitutional principle that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Elastic Clause

The clause granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

Political Culture

The set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that shape the political behavior and practices of a society.

Factions

Groups of individuals with common political purposes, such as political parties or interest groups.

Majority Opinion

The official statement of the court's decision, reflecting the views of most of the judges.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body can remove an official from office for misconduct.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Electoral College

The body of electors established by the Constitution for the formal election of the President and Vice President.