US GOV Unit 1

Natural Rights

Humans are born with certain rights that the government cannot take away.

Popular Sovereignty

The power to govern is in the hands of the people.

The Social Contract

The agreement where people give power to the government to protect their natural rights, with the right to overthrow it if the government fails.

Republicanism

A political ideology where citizens elect leaders to represent them and laws are created through elected officials.

Federalists

Supporters of ratifying the Constitution who advocated for a stronger central government.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution who believed in states' rights and advocated for a Bill of Rights.

James Madison

Known as the 'Father of the Constitution', he highlighted the dangers of factions and the tyranny of the majority.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising of indebted farmers that exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

The Great Compromise

Agreement during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature with both equal and population-based representation.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for executing the enumerated powers.

Reserved Powers

Powers not given to the federal government and reserved for the states, guaranteed by the 10th Amendment.

Dual Federalism

A system where powers are clearly delineated between federal and state governments.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where powers and responsibilities are shared between state and federal governments.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relationship between federal, state, and local governments, including taxing and spending.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual freedoms.

The Supremacy Clause

States that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, establishing a hierarchy of laws.

3/5ths Compromise

The agreement that slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and tax purposes.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government gains too much power by allowing each branch to limit the others.

Electoral College

The body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Majority Rule

The principle that the greater number should exercise greater power, balanced by minority rights.

Hyperpluralism

An extreme form of pluralism where competing groups are so strong that government is unable to make policy decisions.

Elitism

The theory that a select group of powerful individuals controls the government.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of a new law.

Civic Participation

The involvement of citizens in the political process, including voting, activism, and community organizing.

The Necessary and Proper Clause

Gives Congress the power to make all laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.