comp gov unit 1 vocab

the declaration of independence

organic law, nonjusticiable, frames the constitution, answers the question as to why the colonists want to rebel (King George not providing rights and being bad to the colonies),presents ideals and visions, moved from exclusive to inclusive (language specifically)

articles of confederation

the 2nd constitutional congress had to create an official national government, approved in 1777 and ratified in 1778 but failed because didn’t create a STRONG national government and the states had too much power, created a single unit of government: congress, weaknesses include one vote per state, congress can’t regulate trade, no national court system, 9/13 majority to pass laws, congress couldn’t collect taxes, no national executive, all states had to agree into order to amend the articles

the constitution

legal framework for the US government after the articles of confederation were removed, features, popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism

federalist no. 10

essay written by James Madison in 1787 to urge voters to approve the United States Constitution. It explains how a large republic can protect the country from the dangers of political groups called factions

brutus no. 1

an antifederalist essay warning that a large national government threatens individual liberties and state powers

federalist no. 51

madison details how separation of powers and checks & balances prevents tyranny

federalist no. 70

Hamilton defends a single energetic, executive president

federalist no. 78

Hamilton outlines the importance of an independent judiciary and judicial review

virginia plan

Proposal at the Constitutional Convention for a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population, favoring larger states.

nj plan

Proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of population, favoring smaller states.

Connecticut/Sherman/Great Compromise

Combined the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, creating a bicameral Congress: the House (representation by population) and the Senate (equal representation, 2 per state).

Federalists/Federalist Papers

Supporters of ratifying the Constitution who favored a strong national government; the Federalist Papers were essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay arguing for ratification.

Anti-Federalist

Opponents of ratifying the Constitution who feared a strong central government would threaten individual liberties and states' rights; pushed for a Bill of Rights.

separation of powers

The division of government into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial), each with distinct powers, to prevent any one branch from gaining too much control.

checks and balances

A system allowing each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches, ensuring no single branch becomes too powerful.

eminent domain

The government's power to take private property for public use, provided the owner is given just compensation.

Elastic clause

Also called the Necessary and Proper Clause; gives Congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for carrying out its enumerated powers.

sovereignty

Supreme and independent authority of a government to rule itself and its territory.

republic

A form of government in which power is held by the people and exercised through elected representatives.

Pluralist theory

The idea that political power is distributed among many competing interest groups, preventing any single group from dominating.

Elite and class theory

The idea that a small, wealthy, and educated elite holds most political power and influence, regardless of formal democratic processes.

Hyperpluralist theory

The idea that too many competing interest groups make it difficult for government to function effectively, leading to gridlock.

Faction

A group of people with shared political interests that seeks to influence government policy, often at the expense of the common good (a concern of Madison's in Federalist No. 10).

federalism (general)

A system of government in which power is divided and shared between a national (federal) government and state governments.

Unitary governments

A system in which all political power resides in a central government, which may delegate limited authority to local units but can also revoke it.

Supremacy clause

Article VI of the Constitution stating that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the "supreme law of the land," taking precedence over conflicting state laws.

10th Amendment

states that any powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or the people.

Enumerated/expressed powers

Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution (e.g., the power to coin money, declare war, regulate interstate commerce).

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but considered necessary to carry out the enumerated powers (derived from the Elastic Clause).

Reserved powers

Powers not granted to the federal government and not denied to the states, which therefore belong to the states (e.g., education, marriage laws).

Full faith and credit

Clause requiring states to recognize and respect the public acts, records, and judicial decisions of other states.

Privileges/immunities

Clause ensuring that citizens of each state receive the same basic rights and privileges as citizens of other states, preventing discrimination against out-of-staters.

Dual Federalism

A system in which the federal and state governments operate independently, each supreme within its own sphere ("layer cake" federalism).

Cooperative Federalism

A system in which federal, state, and local governments work together to solve problems, often blending responsibilities ("marble cake" federalism).

fiscal federalism

system of grants where federal government shares revenue to the state and local governments

categorical grants

2 types: project grants (apply for grant), formula grants (based on specific formulas developed by Congress such as Medicaid and Foodstamps)

project grants

based on competitive applications by states and individuals

devolution

transferring responsibility for policies from the federal government to the state and local governments

formula grants

based on specific formulas developed by congress ex) Medicaid, head start, food stamps

block grant

federal grant with fewer strings attached, used for a variety of purposed within a broad category (ex: education public services), states decide where and how to spend the money