Chapter 3 Test Review Political Science

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States. It created a weak national government and gave most governing power to the states.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, which protect important individual rights and liberties.

Checks & Balances

A system in which each branch of government has powers that can limit or check the powers of the other branches.

Confederation

A political system in which states or regional governments retain most of the power while the central government has limited authority.

Declaration of Independence

The document in which the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain and explained why they believed they had the right to do so.

Electoral College

The system through which the United States formally elects the president and vice president.

Enumerated Powers

Powers that are specifically listed or granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for carrying out and enforcing laws, headed by the president.

Extraordinary Majority

A level of support greater than a simple majority that is required for certain government decisions.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a national government and state governments.

Great Compromise

The compromise at the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature: the House based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.

Implied Powers

Powers that are not directly stated in the Constitution but are understood to exist because they are necessary to carry out the government's enumerated powers.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and deciding legal disputes, headed by the federal courts.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to determine whether laws or government actions are consistent with the Constitution.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of Congress—the House of Representatives and Senate.

Necessary & Proper Clause

The constitutional provision that gives Congress the ability to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that favored equal representation for each state, regardless of population.

Republicanism

A system in which citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf.

Separation of Powers

The division of government power among different branches, primarily legislative, executive, and judicial.

Social Contract Theory

The idea that government exists because people agree to give up some freedom or authority in exchange for protection, order, and government services.

Supremacy Clause

The principle that the Constitution, federal laws made under it, and treaties are the supreme law of the land when they are validly enacted.

Virginia Plan

A Constitutional Convention proposal favoring a strong national government and a legislature whose representation would be based on population.

Mischief of Faction

From Federalist No. 10: the idea that factions—groups pursuing their own interests—can threaten the public good, and that a large republic can help control their harmful effects.