Government and Constitution Review

Flashcards from lecture notes focusing on vocabulary terms and definitions related to government, the Constitution, and foundational documents.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to review and strike down laws or government actions that are inconsistent with the Constitution.

Independent Judiciary

A judiciary that operates independently of the other branches of government, with judges serving lifetime appointments.

Court's Legitimacy

The circumstances such as Roe v Wade and Dobbs v Jackson which affect the court's legitimacy.

Pluralist/Elite Democracy

Promotes the US Constitution and emphasizes the competition of factions in a large, diverse republic, leading to compromise and mutuality.

Compromise in Policymaking

Highlights the need for compromise in policymaking.

Opposition to Racial Segregation

Against racial segregation laws, based on the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment; supports nonviolent civil disobedience.

Jim Crow Laws

Laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States.

Limited Government

Establishes limited government, separation of powers, and a republican-style government.

Separation of Powers & Checks and Balances

Dividing powers among three branches and between federal and state governments.

Federalism

Dividing powers among three branches and between federal & state governments.

Concerns Against US Constitution

Concerns about annihilation of state sovereignty and how big government cannot respond to citizens; supports state sovereignty.

Participatory Democracy

The idea that federal overreach was not well supported.

Single Executive

Single executive, swift action, accountability.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the US, it emphasized the state's power over federal power, resulting in a weak federal government.

Declaration of Independence

A document asserting the colonists' independence from Britain, reflecting democratic ideals through appeals to natural rights, the social contract, popular sovereignty, and limited government.

Federalist 78

Discusses the need for an independent judiciary.

Federalist 10

Addresses the problem of factions in a republic.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

Advocates for nonviolent resistance to segregation.

Federalist 70

Supports a strong, unified executive.

Federalist 51

Discusses the structure of government.

U.S. Constitution

Establishes the framework of the US government.

Brutus 1

Argues against a strong central government.