American democracy

Democracy

A system of government in which political power ultimately comes from the people.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that government gets its authority from the people.

Social contract

The idea that people agree to give government certain powers in exchange for protection of their rights and the common good.

John Locke

Philosopher strongly associated with the social contract and consent of the governed.

Consent of the governed

Government is legitimate because the people agree to be governed.

Natural rights

Rights people possess simply because they are human.

Life, liberty, and property

Natural rights emphasized by John Locke.

Due process

The government must follow fair legal procedures when taking away a person’s life, liberty, or property.

Equality under the law

People should receive equal treatment under the law.

Equal protection

The constitutional principle that government must provide equal protection of the laws.

Separation of powers

Dividing government power among three branches.

Checks and balances

A system where each branch has powers that can limit the other branches.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments.

Republicanism

A system in which citizens govern through elected representatives.

Individual liberty

The freedom of individuals to make choices and exercise protected rights without unjust government interference.

Majority rule

The principle that decisions are often made according to the preference of more than half of the participants.

Minority rights

Constitutional protections that prevent the majority from unfairly taking away the rights of individuals or minority groups.

Democracy

A system of government in which political power ultimately comes from the people.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that government gets its authority from the people.

Social contract

The idea that people agree to give government certain powers in exchange for protection of their rights and the common good.

John Locke

Philosopher strongly associated with the social contract and consent of the governed.

Consent of the governed

Government is legitimate because the people agree to be governed.

Natural rights

Rights people possess simply because they are human.

Life, liberty, and property

Natural rights emphasized by John Locke.

Due process

The government must follow fair legal procedures when taking away a person’s life, liberty, or property.

Equality under the law

People should receive equal treatment under the law.

Equal protection

The constitutional principle that government must provide equal protection of the laws.

Separation of powers

Dividing government power among three branches.

Checks and balances

A system where each branch has powers that can limit the other branches.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments.

Republicanism

A system in which citizens govern through elected representatives.

Individual liberty

The freedom of individuals to make choices and exercise protected rights without unjust government interference.

Majority rule

The principle that decisions are often made according to the preference of more than half of the participants.

Minority rights

Constitutional protections that prevent the majority from unfairly taking away the rights of individuals or minority groups.

Rule of law

The principle that everyone—including government officials—is subject to the law.

Importance of the rule of law

It limits government power and helps protect individual rights.

Limited government

The idea that government power has constitutional limits.

Reasons for limited government

To prevent government from becoming too powerful and violating people’s rights.

Fair legal procedures

The government must follow these when taking away a person’s life, liberty, or property.

Amendments with Due Process Clauses

The 5th and 14th Amendments.

Equal treatment under the law

What equality under the law means.

Identical outcomes and equality

No, it means equal treatment/protection under the law, not necessarily identical results.

Constitutional principle for equal protection

The constitutional principle that government must provide equal protection of the laws.

Amendment with Equal Protection Clause

The 14th Amendment.

Dividing government power

Separation of powers.

Three branches of federal government

Legislative, Executive, Judicial.

Legislative Branch function

Makes laws.

Executive Branch function

Enforces/carries out laws.

Judicial Branch function

Interprets and applies laws.

Article I of the Constitution

Establishes Congress.

Article II of the Constitution

Establishes the presidency/executive branch.

Article III of the Constitution

Establishes the federal judiciary.

Checks and balances system

A system where each branch has powers that can limit the other branches.

Purpose of checks and balances

To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Example of presidential check on Congress

The president can veto legislation passed by Congress.

Overriding a veto

Congress can override a veto with the required two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Senate check on presidential appointments

The Senate confirms or rejects certain presidential appointments.

Judicial check on government action

Courts can determine that government actions or laws are unconstitutional.

Difference between separation of powers and checks and balances

Separation of powers = divides power. Checks and balances = branches limit each other’s power.

What is federalism?

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments.

Enumerated powers

Powers specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers that aren’t directly stated but are reasonably inferred from the Constitution.

Reserved powers

Powers reserved for the states or the people.

Amendment associated with reserved powers

The 10th Amendment.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by the federal and state governments.

Examples of concurrent powers

Taxing, borrowing money, creating courts, and enforcing laws.

Main idea behind federalism

Power is divided between national and state governments.

What is republicanism?

A system in which citizens govern through elected representatives.

What is representative democracy?

Citizens elect people to make governmental decisions on their behalf.

Is the United States a pure/direct democracy?

No, the U.S. is a constitutional republic with representative democracy.

Reasons for not creating purely direct democracy

They favored representative government and constitutional limits on government power.

What is individual liberty?

The freedom of individuals to make choices and exercise protected rights without unjust government interference.

Examples of individual liberties

Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly.

Are individual liberties unlimited?

No, constitutional rights can have limits depending on the circumstances and applicable law.

What is majority rule?

The principle that decisions are often made according to the preference of more than half of the participants.

Can a majority vote away someone's constitutional rights?

No.

Importance of minority rights in democracy

Constitutional protections prevent the majority from unfairly taking away the rights of individuals or minority groups.

Government official's obligation to obey laws

Rule of law.

Citizens elect representatives to make laws

Republicanism / representative government.

Constitution divides power among branches

Separation of powers.

Branches limit each other's power

Checks and balances.

Power divided between federal and state governments

Federalism.

Government authority derived from the people

Popular sovereignty.

Fair legal procedures before taking liberty

Due process.

Requirement for equal protection of laws

Equal protection.