Studied by 52 people
actual vocab
Articles of Confederation
USA’s first government plan. it gave most of the power to the states but was very weak.
U.S. Constitution
framework for the federal government. replaced the articles of confederation.
Declaration of Independence
document declaring the U.S. independent from Britain. states everyone’s right to life, liberty, and happiness. Written by Thomas Jefferson.
Bill of Rights
the first 10 amendments of the US constitution, protecting individual rights.
Preamble
the constitution’s opening statement, which outlines its goals. Laid out of the 6 principles of government.
Ratification
official approval of the constitution and/or amendments.
Federalist Papers
essays that supported the constitution’s approval.
Federalist #10
essay that explains how a large republic can handle factions. Factions are good. There are so many that they can be controlled.
Federalist #51
essay that describes checks and balances to keep the government fair.
Brutus #1
anti-federalist essay that argues that the Constitution gives too much power to the federal government.
Social Contract
contract between citizens and the government for protection. People give up rights and power for protection.
John Locke
philosopher who inspired natural rights and social contract.his book is the two treatises of government.
Popular Sovereignty
Principle of Government - the people consent to being governed.
Natural Rights
rights we are born with : life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Montesquieu
the founder of separation of powers. he wrote “ The Spirit of Laws.”
Amendment Process
the way or process to change the Constitution.
Article I
article that sets up Congress/legislative branch.
Article II
article that establishes the presidency/ executive branch.
Article III
article that sets up the courts/ judicial branch.
Article IV
article that lists rules about state relationships and powers.
Article V
article that lists how to amend the constitution.
Article VI
article that states that federals laws are supreme. SUPREMACY CLAUSE.
Article VII
article that states how the constitution was ratified.
Checks and Balances
A part of the structure of the US Government. each branch of government can limit the other branches’ power. EX : President can veto laws.
Separation of Powers
A part of the US Government structure. dividing the government into three branches to equalize the power.
Judicial Review
courts can decide if a law/action violates the Constitution. it’s a process in which only the judicial branch can do.
Impeachment
removing a government official for wrongdoing. Senate holds trials and the House of Representatives give charges.
Grand Committee
a group at the Constitutional Convention that resolved conflicts.
Delegated Powers
powers given to the federal government. Written in the Constitution.
Enumerated Powers
numbered powers in the US Constitution.
Expressed Powers
same as enumerated powers.
Implied Powers
government and/or powers not listed but necessary to have.
Inherent Powers
powers the government has simply because its a government.
Concurrent Powers
powers shared by federal and state governments.
Reserved Powers
powers kept by the states.
Necessary and Proper Clause
allows congress the ability to make laws or to act where the constitution doesn't give it authority to act.
Commerce Clause
clause that states that congress controls trade between states.
Full Faith and Credit Clause
clause that states that states must respect other states’ laws.
Privileges and Immunities Clause
CLAUSE - states cannot unfairly discriminate against people from other states.
Supremacy Clause
CLAUSE - federal laws override state laws in conflict.
Great (Connecticut) Compromise
COMPROMISE - created two houses of Congress — House (population-based) and Senate (equal votes for states).
Three-Fifths Compromise
COMPROMISE - counted enslaved people as three-fifths for representation.
Slave Trade Compromise
COMPROMISE - allowed importing slaves until 1808.
Electoral College
a system to elect the president. higher than each individual citizen vote.
Executive Compromise
created a president with limited powers.
Elite Democracy
a small group of wealthy/educated people hold most of the power.
Pluralist Democracy
different groups compete for influence, balancing power.
Participatory Democracy
the people directly participate in decisions.(vote for every single thing)
Representative Democracy
citizens elect leaders to make decisions for them.
Republic
a government where people elect representatives
Tyranny of the Majority
when the majority oppresses smaller groups.
Federalism
One of the principles of government. Power is shared between national and state governments.
Dual Federalism ( Layer Cake)
type of Federalism where national and state governments stay separate.
Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake)
type of Federalism where national and state governments work together.
Fiscal Federalism
type of Federalism where using money grants to influence states.
Grants
money from the federal government to states.
Categorical Grants
money for specific purposes
Block Grants
money with fewer restrictions
Incentives
rewards to encourage certain actions.
Conditions of Aid
Rules states must follow to receive federal funding.
Revenue Sharing
sharing federal money with states.
Mandates
federal orders states must follow.
Clean Air Act (1970)
law to reduce air pollution.
Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)
law banning discrimination against disabled people.
Virginia Plan
big states wanted representation based on population.
New Jersey Plan
small states wanted equal representation.
Shay’s Rebellion
Farmers revolt and expose the Articles of Confederation as weak.
Marbury v Madison (1803)
established judicial review.
McCulloch v Maryland (1819)
strengthened federal power (Congress can create a bank)
United States v Lopez (1995)
limited Congress’s power under the commerce clause.
Confederation
a loose union of states with little central power.
Unitary
central government holds all of the power.
State Sovereignty
states have independent power.
Anti Federalists
opposed the Constitution and feared too much federal power.
Federalists
supported the Constitution.
Bicameral Legislature
two house Congress ( Senate and House).
Statute
a written law.
Factions
groups with different interests/ idea.
Limited Government
government power is restricted by laws.
Multiple Policy Access Points
different ways citizens or groups influence the government.
Tenth Amendment
Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.
