US Government Final Exam Review

Vocabulary flashcards for US Government Final Exam Review

Declaration of Independence

Declares independence from Britain and establishes that the purpose of government is to secure rights.

Consent of the Governed

The foundation of government, according to the Declaration of Independence, but neutral toward forms of government.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak federal government and was later replaced by the current Constitution in 1789. It emphasized state sovereignty but lacked the authority to regulate commerce or impose taxes.

Confederation

Created by state governments, emphasizing the sovereignty of state governments.

Perpetual Union

Purposes include defense, liberty, and mutual and general welfare, with uniformity of citizen privileges and a uniform foreign policy.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a national government with a bicameral legislature and representation proportional to population or monetary contributions.

New Jersey Plan

Sought to amend the Articles of Confederation with new powers, especially taxing power and regulation of commerce, while maintaining state representation.

Connecticut Compromise/Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.

Ratification

Giving formal consent to a contract or agreement to make it officially valid.

Amendment Process (Article V)

Proposal requires 2/3 of both Houses or a Convention called by 2/3 of state legislatures; Ratification requires ¾ of state legislatures or Conventions in ¾ of states.

Bicameralism

Composed of two houses or branches, such as in Congress.

Enumerated Powers

The law-making powers of Congress listed in Article I, Section 8, limiting Congress's power.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

Faction

A group, whether a majority or minority, united by a common passion or interest that goes against the rights of other citizens or the community's interests.

Pure Democracy

A government where the people directly make all decisions.

Republic

A government in which elected representatives of the people make decisions.

Extended Republic

A large republic.

Federalist

A defender of the Constitution during the ratification debates.

Antifederalist

An opponent to the Constitution during the ratification debates.

Sovereignty

The authority of a political entity to govern itself or other political entities

Coercion

Use of threat of force to get someone to do something

Sanction (to Laws)

A threatened penalty for disobeying a law