Unit 1 Vocab

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.