Unit 1A Foundations

Individualism

individualism refers to a political philosophy that underscores the significance of individual rights, liberties, and autonomy within the framework of governance.

Limited Government

a government’s power is not absolute and may only do what the people allow

Republicanism

the democratic principle that the will of the people is reflected in government debates and decisions by their representatives

Social contract

An  implicit agreement among the people in a society to give up some freedoms to maintain social order.

Representative democracy

a system of government in which all eligible citizens vote on representatives to make public policy for them

Participatory Democracy

emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society

Pluralist democracy

emphasizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interests striving for impact on political decision making

Federalists

supported ratification of the Constitution and a strong central government

Anti-federalists

opposed the ratification of the Constitution and wanted more power reserved to state governments rather than a strong central government

Great (Connecticut Compromise)

opposed the ratification of the Constitution and wanted more power reserved to state governments rather than a strong central government

Electoral College

created a system for electing the president by electors from each state rather than by popular vote or by congressional vote

3/5ths Compromise

provided a formula for calculating a state’s enslaved population for purposes of representation in the House and for taxation

Article V (5): Amendment Process

entailed either a two-thirds vote in both houses or a proposal from two-thirds of the state legislatures, with final ratification determined by three-fourths of the states

Ratification

the act of consenting to the U.S. Constitution through state ratification conventions, requiring 9 of the 13 states to ratify per Article VII of the U.S. Constitution

Separation of Powers

specific and separate powers delegated to Congress, the president, and the Judiciary; creates multiple access points for stakeholders and institutions to influence public policy

Checks and Balances

Mechanisms each branch has over the other branches to keep them from getting too powerful

Judicial Review

power of the courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws and government actions. Establish by Marbury v. Madison, 1803.

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that people have power to choose their gov. And make decisions through their votes