Unit 1: Constitutional Democracy Review Guide

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who believed in absolute monarchy for protection and advocated for a social contract.

John Locke

Philosopher who valued natural rights (life, liberty, property) and the right to revolution.

Charles de Montesquieu

Proposed the separation of powers into three branches to prevent abuse of power.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Advocated that people act for the greater good rather than self-interest.

Participatory Democracy

Broad public participation in decision-making.

Pluralist Democracy

Group-based activism for common interests.

Elite Democracy

Power held by educated and wealthy minorities, reducing participatory democracy.

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. government framework with weak central authority.

Shays's Rebellion

Farmers' revolt that exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists

Supported a strong central government and the Constitution (e.g., Hamilton, Madison).

Anti-Federalists

Favored state sovereignty, concerned about potential tyranny, demanded a Bill of Rights.

1st Amendment

Addresses Anti-Federalist concerns by guaranteeing freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly.

Problems with the Articles of Confederation

Economic issues, lack of federal tax, no national military, and required unanimous votes led to inefficacy.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population benefiting larger states.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation benefiting smaller states.

Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

Established a bicameral legislature combining elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

Electoral College

System to elect the president, balancing power between populous and less populous states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted enslaved individuals as 3/5 for representation purposes.

Selection of Representatives

Elected by popular vote.

Senators (Original Constitution)

Originally appointed by state legislatures.

President (Original Constitution)

Elected via the Electoral College.

Federal Judges (Original Constitution)

Nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Amendment Process

Proposed by 2/3 of both Congressional houses or via a national convention; ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures.

Constitutional Powers of the President

Enforces laws, issues executive orders, conducts foreign policy, and appoints federal judges.

Power Distribution in the Constitution

Establishes national government authority while limiting state powers and protecting rights.

Checks and Balances

Power is divided among branches to prevent dominance; e.g., President vetoes legislation.

Judicial Review - Marbury v Madison

Established the power of the judiciary to invalidate unconstitutional laws.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly listed, such as taxation and regulating trade.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by state and federal governments, such as taxation.

Reserved Powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government, preserved for states (10th Amendment).

10th Amendment

Reserves powers to the states.

14th Amendment

Guarantees equal protection under the law.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress power to regulate trade.

Elastic Clause

Allows congressional flexibility to enact necessary laws.

McCullough v Maryland

Established federal supremacy over state laws.

Gibbons v Ogden

Reinforced federal authority over interstate commerce.

Gonzales v Raich and US v Lopez

Addressed limits of federal power under the commerce clause.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds with strict rules.

Block Grants

Federal funds with broader discretion.

Mandates

Federal requirements that state and local governments must follow.

Devolution of Federalism

The trend toward transferring authority from federal to state governments.

Popular Sovereignty

Government's power derived from the consent of the governed.

Republic

Form of government with elected representatives.

Dual Federalism

Clear separation of powers between federal and state governments.

Cooperative Federalism

Overlapping responsibilities between federal and state governments.

James Madison

Known as the "Father of the Constitution," advocated for checks and balances.

Second Treatise of Civil Government

Locke's argument for natural rights; influenced American democracy.

Declaration of Independence

Outlined grievances against the British crown and justified independence.

Federalist No. 10

Madison addresses dangers of factions and advocates for a large republic.

Brutus No. 1

Critique of federal government power and its potential to infringe on liberties.

Federalist No. 51

Madison's explanation of the need for checks and balances.

Constitution

Fundamental laws outlining the structure of government and the rights of the citizens.