U.S. Constitution and Principles of Government

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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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20 Terms

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Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

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Separation of Powers

Different branches of government have distinct responsibilities.

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Checks and Balances

Each branch of government has powers to limit the others.

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Republicanism

People elect representatives to govern.

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Limited Government

Government power is restricted to protect individual rights.

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Natural Rights

Basic rights inherent to all individuals (life, liberty, property/pursuit of happiness).

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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.

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Social Contract

An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

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Participatory Democracy

Emphasizes broad public participation in politics (e.g., town hall meetings).

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Pluralist Democracy

Political power is distributed among many competing groups (e.g., interest groups).

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Elite Democracy

A small number of people (usually wealthy and educated) influence political decision-making (e.g., Electoral College).

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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.

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Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate interstate trade.

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Supremacy Clause

Federal law is the supreme law of the land.

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Necessary and Proper Clause

Also known as the 'Elastic Clause'; allows Congress to expand its powers.

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Categorical Grants

Federal money given to states with strict rules.

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Block Grants

Federal money given to states with fewer restrictions.

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Mandates

Federal requirements imposed on states.

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Dual Federalism

National and state governments are separate; also known as 'layer cake federalism'.

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Cooperative Federalism

National and state governments work together; also known as 'marble cake federalism'.