Foundations of American Democracy

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts from the Foundations of American Democracy unit in AP U.S. Government & Politics.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights of all humans NOT received from a government.

Social Contract

The theory that people create a government to protect their rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Participatory Democracy

A democracy that emphasizes broad participation and an active role for citizens.

Brutus No. 1

An essay arguing for power to be held by the people and local governments.

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government and the new Constitution.

Republicanism

A representative form of government where people elect representatives.

Pluralist Democracy

A democracy characterized by group-based activism influencing political decisions.

Elite Democracy

A democracy that limits citizen participation and emphasizes filtered representation.

Federalist No. 10

An essay arguing that a large republic helps mitigate the dangers of factions.

Anti-federalists

Opponents of the Constitution favoring states' rights and a Bill of Rights.

Declaration of Independence

The document declaring the US's separation from Britain, highlighting natural rights.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the US, creating a weak national government.

Separation of Powers

The division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

Systems that allow each branch of government to limit the powers of the others.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers kept by the states, not granted to the federal government.

Concurrent Powers

Powers held by both federal and state governments.

10th Amendment

The amendment stating that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Supreme Court case that expanded federal power through the Necessary and Proper clause.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Supreme Court case that limited Congress's powers under the commerce clause.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws required for executing its enumerated powers.

Great Compromise

Compromise that created a bicameral legislature in Congress.

3/5 Compromise

Agreement that slaves would count as 3/5 of a person for representation.

Federalist No. 51

An essay advocating for checks and balances within government.