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Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the U.S. Constitution, principles of democracy, federalism, and related concepts.
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Federalism
Division of power between national and state governments.
Separation of Powers
Different branches of government have distinct responsibilities.
Checks and Balances
Each branch of government has powers to limit the others.
Republicanism
People elect representatives to govern.
Limited Government
Government power is restricted to protect individual rights.
Natural Rights
Basic rights inherent to all individuals (life, liberty, property/pursuit of happiness).
Popular Sovereignty
The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power.
Social Contract
An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.
Participatory Democracy
Emphasizes broad public participation in politics (e.g., town hall meetings).
Pluralist Democracy
Political power is distributed among many competing groups (e.g., interest groups).
Elite Democracy
A small number of people (usually wealthy and educated) influence political decision-making (e.g., Electoral College).
Federalist Papers
A series of 85 essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to persuade the citizens of New York to adopt the new Constitution.
Commerce Clause
Grants Congress the power to regulate interstate trade.
Supremacy Clause
Federal law is the supreme law of the land.
Necessary and Proper Clause
Also known as the 'Elastic Clause'; allows Congress to expand its powers.
Categorical Grants
Federal money given to states with strict rules.
Block Grants
Federal money given to states with fewer restrictions.
Mandates
Federal requirements imposed on states.
Dual Federalism
National and state governments are separate; also known as 'layer cake federalism'.
Cooperative Federalism
National and state governments work together; also known as 'marble cake federalism'.