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Natural Rights
Rights inherent to all human beings, such as life, liberty, and property, that governments are created to protect.
Popular Sovereignty
The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people through their elected representatives.
Social Contract
The theory that individuals consent to form a government to protect their rights, trading some freedom for security.
Direct Democracy vs. Republicanism
Direct democracy allows citizens to vote directly on laws; Republicanism involves electing representatives to make decisions on behalf of the people.
Participatory Democracy
A model of democracy in which citizens have the power to make policy decisions directly.
Pluralist Democracy
A theory of democracy in which multiple groups compete to influence policy, ensuring no single group dominates.
Elite Democracy
A theory that a small, privileged group makes most of the important decisions in a democracy.
Articles of Confederation
The first constitution of the United States, creating a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government.
Shay's Rebellion
A 1786-1787 uprising by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
New Jersey Plan
A proposal at the Constitutional Convention advocating for equal representation for each state in Congress, regardless of population.
Virginia Plan
A proposal advocating for representation based on state population in Congress, favoring larger states.
Connecticut 'Great' Compromise
The compromise that combined elements of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, creating a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives and the Senate.
3/5th Compromise
A compromise where out of every 5 slaves 3 would be counted w for representation and taxation purposes.
Impeachment
The process by which a legislative body charges a government official with wrongdoing, potentially leading to removal from office.
Pardons
The president's power to forgive an individual for a federal crime, absolving them of punishment.
Delegated Powers
Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.
Reserved Powers
Powers not delegated to the federal government or denied to the states, reserved for the states or the people.
Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by both the federal and state governments.
Enumerated Powers
Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government.
Implied Powers
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but implied through the Necessary and Proper Clause.
Necessary & Proper Clause
A clause in the Constitution allowing Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.
Supremacy Clause
The clause in the Constitution stating that federal law is the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws when there is conflict.
Marbury v. Madison
A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.
Judicial Review
The power of the courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.
Civil v. Criminal Law
Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, while criminal law deals with actions considered harmful to society and punishable by law.
Due Process
The legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person.
Separation of Powers
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Checks and Balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches to prevent abuse of power.
Federalism
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states).
Roles and Requirements of Elected Officials
To serve in these roles, individuals must typically meet specific requirements, such as being a citizen, meeting minimum age criteria (e.g., 25 for Congress, 35 for the presidency), and residing in the district or state they represent. These qualifications ensure that elected officials are closely tied to the communities they serve, allowing them to effectively advocate for policies that reflect the needs and priorities of their constituents.
Unanimous Opinion
When all justices agree on the decision.
Majority Opinion
Reflects the views of the majority of the justices.
Concurring Opinion
An opinion that agrees with the majority's conclusion but for different reasons.
Dissenting Opinion
An opinion that disagrees with the majority decision.
Declaration of Independence
A document declaring the American colonies' independence from Britain, asserting the principles of natural rights and popular sovereignty.
John Locke
A philosopher whose ideas on natural rights and the social contract greatly influenced the Founding Fathers.
Montesquieu
A philosopher who advocated for the separation of powers in government.
James Madison
Known as the 'Father of the Constitution,' he was a key figure in drafting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Federalists
Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong central government.
Anti-Federalists
Opponents of the Constitution who favored stronger state governments and feared a powerful central government.
5th Amendment
Provides for the protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process of law.
U.S. Constitution
The foundational document of the United States' government, establishing the structure, functions, and limits of government.
Federalist No. 10
An essay by James Madison arguing for the ratification of the Constitution, addressing the dangers of factionalism.
Brutus No. 1
An Anti-Federalist paper arguing against the ratification of the Constitution, fearing a too-powerful central government.
Federalist No. 51
An essay by James Madison explaining how the structure of the government provides the necessary checks and balances.
Alexander Hamilton
A Founding Father, co-author of the Federalist Papers, and advocate for a strong national government.
Thomas Jefferson
Author of the Declaration of Independence, third president of the U.S., and advocate for states' rights.
14th Amendment
Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including formerly enslaved people, and provides all citizens with 'equal protection of the laws.'
