exam 1

Public Goods

Goods provided by the government and funded through taxes.

Democracy

A way of governing that depends on the will of the people.

Oligarchy

A small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution.

Social Capital

The networks of relationships among people in a society, enabling it to function effectively.

U.S

The world's longest surviving written charter of government, affirming that government is for the people.

Natural Rights

Basic rights outlined in the Constitution, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

American Revolution

The revolt of 13 colonies against England, beginning in opposition to taxation without representation.

When did the American Revolution begin?

April 19, 1775.

The Declaration of Independence

A 1776 "break-up" letter to England.

Articles of Confederation

The first written government that established the functions of the national government.

Problems with the Articles of Confederation

Lack of tax authority, required 9 out of 13 states to agree to vote, no executive official, and no judicial branch.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong national government with three branches:executive, legislative, and judicial.

New Jersey Plan

A unicameral legislature with equal votes for states and an executive elected by a national legislature.

The Great Compromise

Established a bicameral U.S. legislature, consisting of the House and Senate.

Federal Supremacy

Federal laws supersede any conflicting state laws.

State Sovereignty

The legal authority and responsibility of a state to govern itself without foreign interference.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Checks and Balances

A principle of government where separate branches are empowered to prevent actions by other branches and share power.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that makes laws.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets laws.

Executive Branch

The branch of government headed by the president.

Impeachment

A remedial process to remove individuals unfit for office.

Removal

The process of being liable and subject to indictment, trial, and judgment.

Judicial Review

The ability of the judicial branch to rule a legislative or executive act unconstitutional.

Supremacy Clause

The clause that gives priority to federal laws over conflicting state laws.

Federalist

An advocate for a government with several states under one authority, such as James Madison.

Anti-Federalists

Individuals who favored strong state governments and a weak central government.

The Amendment Process

The process to propose amendments, requiring a 2/3 vote by both houses of Congress or a request from states, and passing by a ¾ vote.

Ratifying Amendments

A long process that follows the same procedure as the amendment process.