U1 Heimler Review

Enlightenment

A European intellectual movement of the 18th century influencing the framers of the Constitution.

Natural Rights

The idea that people are born with certain rights given by their creator, not by a monarch.

State of Nature

A theoretical condition where individuals are free before any government is established.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government's power comes from the consent of the governed.

Social Contract

The agreement in which individuals give up some power to a government to protect their rights.

Republicanism

A form of government in which people elect representatives to create laws in the public interest.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent tyranny.

Limited Government

A government whose powers are restricted through a constitution or similar document.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Declaration of Independence

Foundational document that outlines principles of natural rights and popular sovereignty.

US Constitution

The supreme law of the land establishing the framework of the government.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy where multiple groups compete to influence public policy.

Elite Democracy

A model of democracy emphasizing limited participation by the educated elite.

Participatory Democracy

A model that emphasizes broad participation by citizens in political processes.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy based on shared interests.

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of a strong central government, advocating for more power to states.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison arguing for the protection of minority rights against factions.

Brutus No. 1

An Anti-Federalist essay warning against the dangers of a large centralized government.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that created a weak federal government.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature with representation based on population and equal representation for states.

Electoral College

A system for electing the president, where states allocate electors based on congressional representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A compromise determining that three-fifths of the enslaved population would count for representation.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Grants Congress the power to pass any laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relationships between federal, state, and local governments.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to states for specific projects and purposes with strict guidelines.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states with broader discretion on how to spend them.

Unfunded Mandate

A requirement imposed by the federal government without the accompanying funds to implement it.

No Child Left Behind Act

A federal law aimed at improving education with specific standards for schools to meet.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court case affirming the superiority of federal law over state law and implied powers.

United States v. Lopez

Supreme Court case limiting Congress’s power under the commerce clause related to gun possession in schools.

Environmental Regulations

Laws and guidelines aimed at protecting the environment that can involve federal and state cooperation.

Legalization of Marijuana

The process wherein states have legalized marijuana despite federal prohibitions.

Constitutional Amendments

Changes to the Constitution that require a proposal by Congress or states and ratification by states.

Stakeholders

Individuals or groups that have an interest in the political process and can influence legislation.

Advice and Consent

The Senate's authority to approve or reject the president's appointments.

Tenth Amendment

The constitutional provision that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states.

Commerce Clause

Empowers Congress to regulate trade and commerce among the states.

Elastic Clause

The clause allowing Congress to pass laws deemed necessary and proper for executing its powers.

Constitutional Convention of 1787

The meeting that ultimately drafted the Constitution of the United States.

Bicameral Congress

A legislature with two houses, created as a result of the Great Compromise.

Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights

The democratic principle that the majority has power while ensuring the rights of the minority.