Untitled Flashcards Set

Equality of Opportunity

The principle that all individuals should have the same chances to succeed, regardless of background, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Prisoner’s Dilemma

A game theory scenario illustrating how individuals acting in self-interest can lead to worse outcomes than if they cooperated.

Free-Rider Problem

Occurs when individuals benefit from public goods without contributing to their cost, leading to potential underfunding.

Tragedy of the Commons

A situation where individuals overuse a shared resource, harming everyone, often seen in environmental issues.

Classical Republicanism

Emphasizes civic virtue, the common good, and active participation in government by citizens.

Classical Liberalism

Prioritizes individual liberties, limited government, free markets, and the rule of law.

Federalist #51, Main Arguments

Argues for checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent government tyranny.

Majority and Minority Factions

Groups with common interests that can threaten rights or the common good; majority factions risk tyranny.

Federalist #10, Main Arguments

Argues that a large republic can control factions and prevent tyranny.

Virginia, New Jersey, and Connecticut Plans/Compromise

The compromise that established a bicameral legislature combining proportional and equal representation.

Three-Fifths Clause

A clause that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for congressional representation.

Antifederalists vs. Federalists, Differences

Federalists supported a strong central government; Antifederalists advocated for individual liberties and a Bill of Rights.

Enumerated Powers vs. Police Powers

Enumerated powers are explicitly granted to the federal government; police powers belong to state governments.

McCulloch v. Maryland

An 1819 Supreme Court case that upheld federal implied powers and reinforced national supremacy.

Dual Federalism

A system where federal and state governments are distinct entities with separate powers.

Modern Federalism

Features a more intertwined relationship between state and federal governments, often seen in cooperative efforts.

Fiscal Federalism

Refers to the use of federal funds to influence state and local policies through grants and aid.

New Federalism

Aims to return power to the states by reducing federal oversight, utilizing block grants.

Laboratory of Democracy

The idea that states can experiment with policies, acting as testing grounds for national reforms.

Cultural Peace (Federalism)

Federalism maintains cultural peace by allowing different states to enact locally reflective policies.

Vote with Your Feet

Concept suggesting that people influence policy by moving to areas that align with their preferences.

Race to the Bottom

When states lower regulations to attract businesses, often harming workers and public services.