American government finals

Federalism

Power is divided between national and state governments.

Dual Federalism

A form of federalism characterized by a clear separation of powers (often referred to as the 'Layer Cake').

Cooperative Federalism

Federalism where functions and responsibilities are overlapping (often referred to as the 'Marble Cake').

Local Governments

Governments that are not sovereign and are created by state governments.

Unitary Government

A system of government where centralized national power exists, such as in the United Kingdom.

Confederation

A system where states hold more power than the central authority, exemplified by the Articles of Confederation.

Federal Government

A system characterized by a balanced distribution of power between national and state governments, as seen in the U.S. Constitution.

Authority

The legal right to make decisions, such as the president’s veto power.

Power

The practical ability to influence or enforce decisions.

Supremacy Clause

A clause stating federal laws override state laws.

Necessary & Proper Clause

Allows Congress to legislate beyond its enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

Grants federal control over interstate trade.

Full Faith & Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize each other's legal decisions.

Privileges & Immunities Clause

Prohibits states from discriminating against non-residents.

Amendment Process

The procedure for proposing and ratifying changes to the Constitution.

Bicameralism

A legislative structure with two chambers: House of Representatives and Senate.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws (Congress).

Executive Branch

The branch of government tasked with enforcing laws (President).

Judicial Branch

The branch responsible for interpreting laws (Supreme Court).

Shay’s Rebellion

An uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to the Constitutional Convention.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the president and vice president.

Federalists

Those who supported a strong central government.

Antifederalists

Those who advocated for strong state powers and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

A collection of 85 essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Civil Rights

Protections from discrimination based on characteristics such as race or gender.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental freedoms protected from government interference.

Incorporation Doctrine

The legal process by which the Bill of Rights was applied to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States.

13th Amendment

The amendment that abolished slavery in the United States.

14th Amendment

The amendment that provides equal protection and due process under the law.

15th Amendment

The amendment that prohibits voting rights from being denied based on race.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that outlawed discrimination and segregation in public spaces and employment.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Law aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting.

Congress

The bicameral legislature of the United States government, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison.

Bureaucracy

The administrative system that implements federal policy and is controlled by both Congress and the President.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on a given topic.

Political Participation

Actions taken by citizens to influence the selection of political leaders or the policies they pursue.

Political Parties

Organizations that seek to gain power by winning elections and controlling government.

Interest Groups

Organizations that aim to influence policy through advocacy, lobbying, and contributions.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities among different branches.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing branches to check each other's powers.

Collective Action Problems

Situations in which individuals fail to act together in pursuit of their shared interests.

Principal-Agent Problems

Difficulties that arise when voters (principals) hire officials (agents) to act on their behalf, who may instead act in their own interests.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence from Britain.

Boston Tea Party

A protest against British taxation that escalated tensions between Britain and the American colonies.

1st amendment

Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition
Guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

2nd amendment

Right to Bear Arms
Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

3rd amendment

Quartering of Soldiers
Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime.

4th amendment

Search and Seizure
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants must be based on probable cause.

5th amendment

Rights in Criminal Cases
Includes protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and mandates due process.

6th amendment

Right to a Fair Trial
Guarantees a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury, and the right to counsel.

7th amendment

Rights in Civil Cases
Provides for the right to trial by jury in civil (non-criminal) cases.

8th amendment

Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Prohibits excessive bail, fines, and cruel or unusual punishment.

9th amendment

Rights Retained by the People
Affirms that people have rights beyond those listed in the Constitution.

10th amendment

States' Rights: Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people