Key Concepts of the U.S. Constitution and Federalism

amendment process

The procedure by which changes or additions are made to the Constitution.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak central government.

bicameralism

A legislative system with two chambers or houses.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties.

block grants

Federal funds provided to states for broad purposes with few restrictions.

Brutus I

An anti-Federalist paper arguing against the ratification of the Constitution.

categorical grants

Federal funds provided to states for specific purposes with strict regulations.

census

A count of the population conducted every ten years to allocate congressional representation.

checks and balances

A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with oversight over the others.

commerce clause

A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

concurrent powers

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments.

confederal system

A system of government in which states retain most of the power and the central government has limited authority.

constitutional compromises

Agreements made during the Constitutional Convention to settle disputes between different factions.

constitutional convention

A gathering in 1787 where delegates drafted the Constitution.

constitutional democracy

A form of government in which the powers of the government are limited by a constitution.

Constitution

The supreme law of the United States that outlines the framework of government.

cooperative federalism

A system of government in which powers and responsibilities are shared between the federal and state governments.

Declaration of Independence

The document asserting the independence of the colonies from Great Britain.

democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

devolution

The transfer of powers from the federal government to state and local governments.

dual federalism

A system of government in which both the federal and state governments operate independently within their own spheres of authority.

elastic clause

A clause in the Constitution that allows Congress to pass laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

elitist democracy

A theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of a small number of elites in decision-making.

enumerated powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.

factions

Groups of individuals, such as interest groups or political parties, that share a common interest.

federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Federalist 10

An essay by James Madison arguing for the ratification of the Constitution and the dangers of factions.

Federalist 51

An essay by James Madison that discusses the need for checks and balances in government.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution.

fiscal federalism

The financial relationship between the federal government and state governments.

implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to carry out the government's duties.

inalienable rights

Rights that cannot be taken away or denied, often associated with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

individual rights

The liberties and privileges guaranteed to individuals, often protected by law.

majority rights

The rights and interests of the majority of the population.

Marshall Court

The Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Marshall, known for establishing the principle of judicial review.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the supremacy of federal law over state law.

minority rights

The rights and protections afforded to individuals or groups that are not part of the majority.

natural rights

Rights that are considered inherent and universal, such as life, liberty, and property.

necessary and proper clause

A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for executing its powers.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for the structure of the United States government that called for a unicameral legislature.

participatory democracy

A model of democracy that emphasizes broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems.

phases of federalism

The various stages through which federalism has evolved in the United States.

pluralist democracy

A model of democracy that recognizes multiple competing interests in the political process.

popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

privileges and immunities clause

A clause in the Constitution that prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

ratification of the Constitution

The formal approval of the Constitution by the states.

republicanism

A political ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic.

reserved powers

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government and are reserved for the states.

role of government

The responsibilities and functions that government is expected to perform.

separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Shays's Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 aimed at protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response.

social contract

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules.

supremacy clause

A clause in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Tenth Amendment

An amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

unfunded mandates

Regulations or new laws that require states to perform certain actions without providing federal funds for those actions.

unitary system

A system of government in which all powers are held by a single central authority.

United States Constitution

The foundational legal document of the United States that outlines the structure of government.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

A Supreme Court case that limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for the structure of the United States government that called for a bicameral legislature based on population.

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