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Natural Rights

Basic rights inherent to all individuals such as life, liberty, and property.

Republicanism

A political ideology that emphasizes the role of citizens in electing representatives and limiting governmental powers.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Limited Government

A governing body whose powers are restricted through laws or a constitution to protect individual liberties.

Declaration of Independence

A foundational document asserting the colonies' separation from Great Britain and outlining the principles of individual rights.

United States Constitution

The supreme law of the United States that establishes the framework of government and its relationship with the people.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy emphasizing broad participation in political decision-making.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy that acknowledges multiple competing interest groups that influence public policy.

Elitist Democracy

A model of democracy where a small number of individuals hold significant power over political decisions.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored a weaker centralized government.

Shay’s Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786 led by Daniel Shays in response to economic injustices and governmental power.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature in the U.S. Congress.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states for broad purposes without stringent guidelines.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds given to states for specific purposes, requiring adherence to federal conditions.

Mandates

Laws or regulations imposed on states by the federal government.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws deemed necessary to carry out its enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the ability to regulate commerce among the states.

Mcculloch v. Maryland

A Supreme Court case affirming federal supremacy over state laws.

US v. Lopez

A Supreme Court case ruling that limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's actions can influence political processes.

Rational Choice Voting

A voting theory suggesting individuals vote based on their perceived self-interest.

Retrospective Voting

Casting votes based on a candidate's past performance.

Prospective Voting

Voting based on predictions of a candidate's future performance.

Roe v. Wade

A landmark Supreme Court case that recognized a woman's constitutional right to choose an abortion.

Civil Rights Movement

A struggle for social justice aiming to secure civil rights for African Americans.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Supremacy Clause

A Constitutional provision stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Judicial Activism

An approach where judges are willing to overrule both legislative and executive actions.

Judicial Restraint

An approach to judicial interpretation that encourages courts to limit the exercise of their own power.