Constitutional Underpinnings

Direct Democracy

Citizens are directly involved in the decision-making process. ^

Ancient Athens Assembly

Citizens met in assembly to vote on laws. ^

Indirect Democracy

Elected representatives vote on legislation on behalf of citizens. ^

US Government

Example of indirect democracy; practical for larger countries. ^

Amendment Process - Proposal

Congress can propose an amendment with a ⅔ vote in both houses. ^

Amendment Process - National Convention

⅔ of state legislatures can call a convention to propose amendments (never used). ^

Amendment Process - Ratification by State Legislature

¾ of state legislatures must approve an amendment. ^

Amendment Process - Ratification by State Convention

Conventions in ¾ of states must approve; only used for the 21st Amendment. ^

Republican Government

Citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern according to a constitution protecting individual rights. ^

Pluralist

Power is dispersed among many interest groups; citizens influence policy through these groups. ^

Hyperpluralist

Too many competing interest groups; government fails to satisfy all. ^

Elite Theory

A small wealthy elite controls government to benefit themselves. ^

Federalist 10

Liberty is safer under a large republic; factions prevent single-group domination. ^

Federalist 51

Constitution protects liberty via checks and balances and separation of powers. ^

Brutus

Strong centralized government may oppress people; small republics better protect rights. ^

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments; compromise proposed by anti-federalists to secure Constitution ratification. ^

Popular Sovereignty

People are the source of all government power; “We the People” demonstrates this principle. ^

Limited Government

Government powers are restricted by law; no one is above the law. ^

Natural Rights

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; cannot be taken away by the government. ^

Federalism

Power divided between state and federal governments, each with its own responsibilities. ^

Republicanism

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them. ^

Social Contract

People give up some freedoms in exchange for government protection and services. ^

Judicial Review

Courts can examine laws and declare them unconstitutional. ^

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review; Constitution is supreme law; Marbury’s commission was unconstitutional. ^

Rule of Law

All individuals and institutions must obey the law. ^

Checks and Balances

Each branch limits the power of the other branches. ^

Separation of Powers

Legislative makes laws, Executive enforces laws, Judicial interprets laws