ap gov unit one

Ideals of democracy

limited government, natural rights, popular sovereignty, republicanism, social contract

Aspects of limited government

Republicanism, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism

Aspects of the Declaration of Independence

popular sovereignty, natural rights self-rule consent of governed

Liberty v order

A balance between safety, security and freedom

Bicameralism

the principle of a two-house legislature.

When can a bill become a law

When it passes through both houses of Congress

Problems of articles of Confederation and remedies by Constitution

Articles created a league of friendship between the states - Constitution created a fed system of gov btwn the nat and state levels, 9/13 states required to pass legislature - bills need a simple majority in both houses of Congress, each states had 1 vote, regardless of size or pop - States are represented based on pop in the House of Reps and equality in Senate (page 80 back of notes)

Shays rebellion

A rebellion led by farmers in Massachusetts protesting mortgage foreclosures. Highlighted a need for a strong national government.

Virginia plan

Bicameral legislature, called for a strong central government with a legislature composed of two chambers

New Jersey plan

Unicameral legislative representative chosen by state, legislators each state receives one vote representation in house would be equal among the states no veto powers

Great compromise (convention compromise)

Settled disputes between the states over the structure of the legislative branch. Congress would be a bicameral legislature with representation in the lower house based on the population of the state and equal representation of the states in the upper house

3/5 compromise(convention compromise)

Provided a formula for calculating states in slave population for the purpose of representation in the house and for taxation

Slave trade compromise(convention compromise)

Congress could not regulate or outlaw slavery or slave trade until 1808

Electroral College(convention compromise)

Created a system for electing the president by electors from each state rather than popular vote or by congressional vote

Bill of Rights (convention compromise)

First 10 amendments

Federalist

Favor the constitution and the need for a strong national government

Anti-federalist

Opposed the constitution and wanted strong state governments in fear of a strong national government

The federalist

A series of essays detailing the structure of the constitution and the safeguard of individual liberty

Federalist 47

If there are no separation of powers, tyranny would reign-there must be a distribution of constitutional authority among the three branches of the national government

Federalist 51

The need for the separation of powers and checks and balances so no one branch becomes too powerful

Checks and balances

System within the US government that divides power among the legislative, executive and judicial branches with each branch having the ability to limit the powers of the others

Divided government

one party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of Congress

Marbury v Madison

Establish the principle of judicial review, empowered the court to nullify an action of the legislative or executive branch, that violates the constitution

Judicial review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional

McCulloch v Maryland

Validated the supremacy of the national government(supremacy clause) over the states, declaring that the states can't interfere with or tax and instrument of the national government

US v Lopez

The Court restricted the expansion of the national government's use of the commerce clause, stating that Congress could not use the commerce clause to create gun-free school zones

Impeachment process

House charges an official with abuse of power of misconduct

2/3 of the Senate is needed to convict if convicted then you are removed

Proposal and ratification methods for amending process

2/3 in both houses of Congress or 2/3 of the state legislators

Federalism

Distribution of powers between the national and state government

Dual federalism

The states in the national government operate independently in their own area of republic policy

Cooperative federalism

the states in the national government work together to shape public policy

Commerce clause

Gives the national government the power to regulate interstate commerce , but the Supreme Court interpretations may affect when specific actions exceed this constitutional power

Supremacy clause

Gives the national government and its laws general precedence over state laws, but the Supreme Court interpretations may affect when specific actions exceed this constitutional power

Expressed or enumerated powers

Given to the national government and are written in the constitution

Necessary and proper clause

To make all laws which shall be necessary improper for carrying into the execution, the foregoing powers

Implied powers

Assumed to exist because they are necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated powers

Reversed powers

Powers held by the states alone

Exclusive powers

Power is held by the federal government alone

Concurrent powers

Powers that are shared by both levels of government. Ex-Levying taxes, borrowing money, the power to build roads.

Fiscal federalism

The national government influencing state in local governments with money

Block grants

Broad grants to the states for prescribed activities-welfare, childcare education, social services, preventive healthcare, and health services-with only a few strings attached; most states prefer

Categorical grants

funds appropriated for specific purposes, such a school lunches or the building of highways or airports, most preferred by Congress because the grant involves most federal control tailored to their specific needs

Mandate vs unfunded mandate

The national government requires mandates on the state and local governments and unfunded mandates don't get money while mandates do.

Federalist 10

To "prevent tyranny of the majority", Madison argues for a large republic rather than pure or direct democracy to control factions and the need for a strong federal government power between national and state governments

Brutus #1

Argues against Madison's view on the powers of the national government and a large republic

Participatory theory

Emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society such as voting and attending Townhall meetings

Pluralist theory

interest, groups or factions compete in the political arena with each promoting, it's policy preferences through organize efforts. Emphasizes group-based activism by non-governmental interests, striving for impact on political decision-making

Elite theory

A small number of powerful elite form in the upper class which rules in its own self interest, emphasize limited participation, and politics and civil society Ex. Electoral college.

Constitutional interpretations of federalism

Due process and equal protection causes of the 14th amendment, commerce clause, necessary, proper clause, supremacy clause

Multiple access points

Refers to the various ways of citizens interest groups in state governments can influence public policy by interacting with different branches and levels of government

Constitutionalism

A term applied to arrangements-checks and balances federalism, separation of powers rule of law, due process, bill of rights, in order to prevent our leaders from abusing power