College Government Unit 2 Practice Test Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the College Government Unit 2 practice test, defining core concepts in constitutional foundation, theories of representation, state governance, and federalism.

Modern Democracy

A political system characterized by competition, accountability, and representative elections.

Theocracy

A government where religious leaders hold political power and there is no separation of church and state.

Tocqueville's View of American Political Culture

Identified individualism and pragmatism as key characteristics of American political culture.

Delegate Theory of Representation

The concept that elected representatives should directly reflect and act upon the wishes of their constituents.

Trustee Theory of Representation

The concept that elected representatives should use their own judgment and expertise to make decisions for their constituents.

Pluralism

A political system where organized groups influence policy through lobbying and financial contributions.

Clause 39 of the Magna Carta

An agreement establishing that no free man can be punished without lawful judgment or the law of the land.

Article IX of the Articles of Confederation

The constitutional provision that gave Congress sole authority to declare war and make peace.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong national government with a legislative branch whose representation is based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for a weaker national government that favored equal state representation regardless of population.

Elastic Clause

Another name for the Necessary and Proper Clause, which grants Congress implied powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution.

Enumerated Powers

Powers that are explicitly listed and granted to the national government in the U.S. Constitution.

Federalism

A system of government that serves as a compromise between a unitary system and a confederal system.

Dillon's Rule

A principle of constitutional law establishing that local government authority is derived directly from the state government.

Town Meeting

A form of local government that allows the entire electorate to participate directly in an annual meeting to pass the budget.

Board of Trustees

The body that traditionally acts as the primary governing authority of a township.

Georgia Constitution

A state governing document that is longer and amended more frequently than the U.S. Constitution, and requires a balanced state budget each fiscal year.

Georgia General Assembly

The legislative body of Georgia whose members serve two-year terms and meet for a legislative session typically lasting 40 working days.

Presidential Removal Process

The procedure by which a U.S. President is removed from office, requiring impeachment by the House of Representatives followed by a trial in the Senate.

Natural Rights in the Declaration of Independence

Fundamental rights that helped justify the idea that government exists primarily to protect people's rights.