Foundations of Gov. and the constitution vocab

AP gov unit one

Separation of powers

3 branches of Gov: Legislature, Executive, and Judicial.(to prevent one branch from getting too powerful)

Checks and balances

to limit government, protect individuals liberty.(each part of Gov has power to limit action of other parts preventing ultimate power of one branch)

Reserved powers/10th amendment

Limit gov., empower state government (guaranteed by 10th amendment)

Pluralism vs Elitism

“all men are created equal”, competing interests, each vying for power

Popular sovereignty

“we the people” are in charge, democracy, the power with the people.

Federalist 10

republic over democracy, large republic over small to protect against factions

Democracy vs Republic

direct vs representative

Bicameralism

Great compromise- large states vs small states: two house legislature: House and Senate

Formal vs Informal power

formal- power in constitution

informal- power outside of constitution, expanding power of central gov.

Judicial review

Marbury vs Madison/ expand judicial power