Unit 1: Political Ideology & Socialization

Force Theory

The “Origins of State” theory that describes one person or group seized power by force over an area

Divine Right Theory

The “Origins of State” theory that describes a higher power created the state and gave approval to the rulers to control it

Social Contract Theory

The “Origins of State” theory that describes people believe in the consent of the governed to give up some of their rights in return for protection and security from a government

Autocracy

A government of one person with unlimited power

Oligarchy

A government where power is held by a small exclusive group

Authoritarian

A dictatorship where the powerful hold all political authority

Totalitarian

Several dictatorships that have complete control over human affairs

Participatory Democracy

A democracy where citizens have broad participation in politcs

Pluralist Democracy

A democracy where there is group-based activism by non-governmental persons

Elite Democracy

A democracy where there is limited participation in politics except by a “chosen few”

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, in effect from 1781 to 1789. It was created by the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. Weak because all states had to agree to amend, but only congress could rule/acquire territory

Amendability

Article V in the Constiution

Supremacy Clause

Article 6, section 2 grants ultimate authority to the national government during disputes between state and federal laws

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Congress chartered a national bank with branches in various states. This case decided that Congress could create a bank under the Necessary and Proper Clause and that states cannot tax the banks because of the Supremacy Clause

United States v. Lopez (1995)

This court case ruled that the Congress exceeded their power under the Commerce Clause and could not create the Gun Free School Zones Act on a basis of it affecting interstate economic activity

Fiscal Federalism: Revenue Sharing

Money given to states through grants

Fiscal Federalism: Categorical

Grants given to states with Congressional oversight/followup

Fiscal Federalism: Block

Grants given to broad programs with no monitorization

Mandates

Directions given to state/local governments to comply with federal rules, can be unfunded