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Articles of Confederation
The first attempt at government for the United States that gave too much power to states and resulted in problems leading to Shay’s Rebellion and the Constitutional Convention.
Bicameral Legislature
A two-house legislature.
Block Grants
Money given by the federal government to states with broad freedom on how to spend it.
Brutus #1
An essay that criticized the new constitution, arguing that if people give up freedoms to a powerful national government, they will never regain those freedoms.
Federalist #10
An essay supporting the U.S. Constitution, arguing that a large country is necessary to protect against greed and ambition.
Federalist #51
An essay explaining that a system of checks and balances prevents any one part of government from becoming too powerful.
Federalist #70
An essay by Alexander Hamilton arguing for a unitary executive, suggesting that there should only be one president.
Federalist #78
An essay by Alexander Hamilton advocating for an independent judicial branch and lifetime appointments for judges to make unpopular but correct rulings.
Categorical Grant
Money given by the federal government to states with specific limits on how it may be spent.
Centralists
Individuals who favor greater national authority over state authority.
Checks and Balances
A system in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches, such as a presidential veto of congressional laws.
Commerce Clause
A clause that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states and with foreign nations.
Concurrent Powers
Powers held by both Congress and the states, such as establishing law enforcement agencies.
Decentralists
Individuals who favor greater state authority over national authority.
Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson, it lists the abuses by King George III and provides reasons for the colonies to declare independence.
Direct Democracy
A system in which the people rule themselves directly.
Elastic Clause
A clause stating that Congress can exercise powers that are 'necessary and proper' for carrying out its enumerated powers.
Enumerated Powers
Powers specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution.
Federalism
The constitutional sharing of power between a central government and state governments.
Federalist Papers
A collection of 85 essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay to persuade New Yorkers to adopt the Constitution.
Formal Amendment
A change in the actual wording of the Constitution, proposed by Congress or a national convention and ratified by the states.
Indirect Democracy
A system where people are ruled by their representatives; also known as representative democracy or a republic.
Informal Amendment
A change in the meaning of the Constitution without altering its wording, such as through court decisions.
Judicial Review
The power of courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws and actions, established by Marbury v. Madison.
Mandates
Orders from the federal government that states must comply with.
Marbury vs. Madison
The 1803 case that established the principle of judicial review.
McCulloch v. Maryland
The 1819 case that established the principle of national supremacy and validity of implied powers.
Pluralism
The theory that policy making is the result of competition among interest groups.
Popular Sovereignty
The principle that ultimate political authority rests with the people.
Reserved Powers
Powers held by the states through the 10th amendment, reserved for the states.
Revenue Sharing
Money given by federal governments to states with little or no restrictions on its use.
Separation of Powers
The principle that government powers are distributed among three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
Shay’s Rebellion
The 1786 revolt by Massachusetts farmers seeking relief from debt and foreclosure, contributing to the calling of the Constitutional Convention.
Supermajority
A majority greater than a simple majority, typically requiring 3/5 or 2/3.
U.S. v. Lopez
The 1995 Supreme Court case ruling that the commerce clause cannot be used to prosecute gun offenders, strengthening state power.
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