American Government Study Guide Chapters 1-3

Unitary

Local/regional government derives their power from a strong national government.

Confederal

National government derives power from states.

Federal

National and state governments share power and derive authority from the people.

Oligarchic

A government form where participation depends on wealth, social status, military position, or achievement.

Autocratic

A system where absolute power is vested in a ruler, such as a monarchy or dictatorship.

Democratic

A government system that gives power to the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

Natural Rights

The belief that all men are created equal with rights to life, liberty, and happiness.

Social Contract

The theory that individuals consent to form a government for protection of their rights.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.

Limited Government

A principle that restricts governmental power to protect individual liberties.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws.

Sovereignty

The authority of states to govern themselves.

Land Ordinance of 1785

Legislation that established a system for surveying and selling land in the Northwest Territory.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Legislation that provided a method for admitting new states to the Union.

U.S

The foundational document establishing the framework of the U.S. government.

Republicanism

The principle that citizens must sacrifice for the greater good.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed.

Federalist 10

An essay by Madison arguing that a large republic can mitigate the effects of factions.

Brutus 1

An argument against the Constitution, claiming a large republic cannot effectively govern diverse states.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution advocating for a stronger national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored states' rights and feared federal power.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual rights and liberties.

1st Amendment

Guarantees freedoms of speech, press, assembly, religion, and petition.

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination and guarantees due process.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the national government to the states or the people.

Participatory Democracy

A model where citizens directly decide on policy.

Pluralist Democracy

A model where organized groups influence government decisions.

Elite Democracy

A model where a small, wealthy, and educated group makes decisions.

Dual Federalism

A system where state and national governments operate independently within their own spheres.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where state and federal governments work together.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states with few restrictions on how to spend them.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds given for specific purposes, often with conditions attached.