Foundations of American Democracy Unit 1.1: Ideals of Democracy

Limited Government

A political system where laws and a constitution restrict the power of leaders, ensuring they cannot take away basic personal freedoms.

Social Contract

An agreement among the members of a society to give up certain freedoms in exchange for social order.

Natural Rights

Universal freedoms that every person possesses.

John Locke's Three Rights

The government must protect life, liberty, and property.

Popular Sovereignty

The political principle that a government's legitimacy and moral authority are derived from the people.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic, where ultimate authority rests with the people.

Equality

Everybody has equal rights and treatment.

Participatory Democracy

The public or community gets involved through deliberation and understanding.

Pluralist Democracy

Emphasizes bargaining among different interest groups.

Elite Democracy

A small group of wealthy or highly educated citizens influences policy.

Anti-Federalist View (Brutus No. 1)

Argued for a small government with strong states to protect individual rights.

Federalist View (Federalist 10)

Argued for a large republic with a strong national government to prevent any one faction from becoming too powerful.

Confederation

A system where states hold most of the power.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Could not tax, regulate interstate trade, or enforce laws.

The Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Electoral College

A compromise between Congress picking the president and a direct popular vote.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Enslaved people counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Separation of Powers

Divides government power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

Each branch has some powers that can limit or check the other branches.

Federalism

A system where power is shared between the federal and state governments.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically given to the federal government found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not directly stated but necessary to carry out enumerated powers.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its constitutional duties.

Reserved Powers

Powers kept by the states, found in the 10th Amendment.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by the federal and state governments.

Dual Federalism

A system where federal and state governments have separate areas of power.

Cooperative Federalism

Federal and state governments work together and share responsibilities.

Mandate (Unfunded Mandate)

A requirement from the federal government that state or local governments must follow.

Categorical Grant

Federal money given to state or local governments for a specific purpose.

Block Grant

Federal money given to a state or local government for a broad purpose.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not given to the federal government for the states or the people.

14th Amendment

Guarantees equal protection and due process under the law applies to the states.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate trade and business with foreign nations and among the states.

Supremacy Clause

States that federal laws are above conflicting state laws.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

The Supreme Court ruled that Congress had the implied power to create the bank, limiting states' ability to interfere.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

The Supreme Court limited the national government's power under the Commerce Clause by ruling against gun prohibition near schools.