unit 1: foundations of democracy

10th amendment

reserves any powers not delegated to the federal gov. to the states

3/5^th compromise

• found in article 1, section 2

  • for every 5 slaves, 3 would be counted for population & tax

amendment proposal methods

1) amendment is proposed by Congress w/ a 2/3 majority in both houses

2) proposed at a national convention called by Congress when requested by 2/3 (34) of state legislatures

amendment ratification methods

1) ratified by state legislatures of ¾ (38) of the states

2) ratified by conventions held in ¾ (38) of the states

anti-federalists

disliked central gov. having more power, wanted states to retain more power, worried about relevance of states and individual liberties

federalists

liked Constitution as written & strong central gov.

• John Jay, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton

articles of confederation

the united states’ first constitution from 1781-1789; government under the articles was inadequate because it did not have the power to do anything

block grants

funds given to states w/ only general guidelines on how to spend money

• gives states more power by allowing them to decide how to spend the money as they see best

categorical grants

federal aid given to states w/ strict guidelines

• states must adhere to guidelines to receive funds

• ex) head-start programs

checks & balances

the system that prevents any branch of gov. from becoming too powerful by requiring the approval of more than one branch for all important acts

concurrent powers

powers shared by federal & state govs.

• levy taxes

• establish court systems

• build roads

• borrow money

• establish banks

• maintain law & order

• take private land for public use

commerce clause

gives Congress the right to regulate trade and commerce between states (INTERstate commerce)

• located in article 1, section 8

connecticut compromise / great compromise

• established 3 branches of gov.

• a bicameral legislature

  • house = on population

  • senate = 2 senators/state

• checks & balances given to each branch

constructionists / strict constructionism

the constitution should be interpreted exactly as written

• literal interpretation of the constitution; not in it = forbidden

cooperative federalism

system in which each works together to solve complex problems

• aka “marble cake federalism”

• usually describes relationship from 1930s-present

• new deal programs + heavy use of grants-in-aid system

delegated, enumerated, expressed powers

powers held by the federal gov. exclusively

• declare war, raise/maintain military

• coin money

• regulate interstate commerce

• conduct foreign policy/make treaties

• establish post officies

• admit new states

direct democracy

citizens directly participate in decision making, voting on policies and laws themselves rather than through representatives

dual federalism

system in which each remains supreme within its own sphere

• aka “layer cake federalism” (separate, independent layers)

• usually describes relationship until the 1930s

devolution

policy of returning power to state + local gov.

necessary & proper / elastic clause

allows Congress to stretch its powers in order to carry out its powers and the gov. power as a whole

• found in article 1, section 8

elite theory

limited to small group of wealth, highly-educated individuals influence political decisions

factions

groups of individuals within a larger political entity who share a common interest or goal that is distinct from other groups

• framers feared factions

• but they are necessary evils that must be controlled

federalism

the division and sharing of power between the federal gov. and the states

federalist papers

a series of 85 essays designed to convince the states to ratify the Constitution

• written by John Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Ham

full faith & credit clause

requires that all decisions, public records, and rulings from one state be honored in all others

• found in article IV, section 1

indirect democracy

a system where authority is delegated to elected representatives to carry out decisions on behalf of citizens

• system chosen by the framers

federal mandates

legal requirements or regulations imposed by the federal government on state, local, or tribal governments, often requiring compliance to receive federal funding

new jersey plan

favored in small states

• 3 separate branches

• unicameral legislature

• representation equal for all states; one vote/state

virginia plan

favored in large states

• 3 separate branches

• bicameral legislature

• representation based on population

reserved powers

powers retained by the states exclusively

• regulate liscences (ex: marriage)

• regulate intrastate trade

• establish local gov.

• create schools

• run & pay for federal elections

  • includes voter ID laws

• ratify amendments

shays’ rebellion

an armed uprising of Massachusetts farmers protesting high taxes and debt-related property foreclosures

• exposed the weaknesses of the Articles; federal gov. failed to put down the uprising

supremacy clause

states that the federal gov. and its laws supersede all local + state laws

• found in article V, section 1