Foundations of American Democracy

Participatory Democracy

A democratic model emphasizing broad, direct citizen involvement beyond just voting.

Elite Democracy

A democratic model where political power is concentrated among a small, wealthy elite.

Pluralist Democracy

A democratic model where political power is distributed among competing interest groups.

Direct Democracy

A political system where citizens vote directly on laws, ballot initiatives, and referendums.

Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions on their behalf.

John Locke's Political Philosophy

Advocated natural rights (life, liberty, property) and government legitimacy via consent of governed.

Thomas Hobbes' Social Contract

Believed a strong sovereign is necessary to maintain order and prevent brutish chaos.

Adam Smith's Economic Theory

Introduced the 'invisible hand' theory, arguing self-interest in free markets benefits society.

Thomas Paine

Author of Common Sense (1776), which rallied American colonists toward independence.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Authored by Thomas Jefferson, asserting inalienable rights and listing colonial grievances against Britain.

Declaration of Independence: Lockean Influence

Adapted Locke's 'property' right into the pursuit of 'Happiness' and championed popular sovereignty.

Articles of Confederation

America's first constitution creating a weak central government in a 'league of friendship'.

Articles of Confederation: Passing Laws & Amendments

Required approval from 9 of 13 states for laws, and 13 of 13 for amendments.

Articles of Confederation: Structural Weaknesses

Lacked an executive branch and national court system; exposed by Shays' Rebellion.

The Federalist Papers

Essays by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay urging ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Federalist No. 10

James Madison argued that a large republic controls the dangerous effects of factions.

Federalist No. 51

James Madison explained how separation of powers and checks and balances prevent tyranny.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist paper warning that a large national government threatens individual liberties and sovereignty.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists favored strong national power; Anti-Federalists feared central tyranny and demanded a Bill of Rights.

Great Compromise (1787)

Merged the Virginia and New Jersey plans to create a bicameral legislature.

Bicameral Structure under Great Compromise

House of Representatives based on state population; Senate provides equal representation (two per state).

Article I of the Constitution

Establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress) and defines its enumerated powers.

Enumerated Powers of Congress

Explicitly listed legislative powers including declaring war, coining money, and regulating interstate commerce.

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

Article I, Section 8 clause granting Congress implied powers beyond explicit enumerated limits.

Article II of the Constitution

Establishes the Executive Branch and assigns presidential powers like Commander-in-Chief and veto power.

Article III of the Constitution

Establishes the Judicial Branch and sets lifetime appointments during 'good Behavior' for judges.

Judicial Review

The power of federal courts to declare legislative or executive actions unconstitutional.

Separation of Powers

Divides political authority among three distinct branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

Checks and Balances

System giving each governmental branch specific mechanisms to restrict powers of the others.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that ultimate political authority belongs to the people.

Federalism

The constitutional distribution of power between national and state governments.

Rule of Law

The principle that every individual, including government officials, must obey the law.