Unit 1

What document justified the colonists' break from Great Britain?

The Declaration of Independence.

What is the relationship defined by the Social Contract?

A mutual agreement between the people and their government balancing individual rights and national safety.

Who was John Locke?

A philosopher of the Enlightenment Era who believed in Natural Law.

What does Natural Law assert?

That people are born free and equal, with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

What is popular sovereignty?

The idea that the people are the ultimate ruling authority.

What was the main argument of Brutus No. 1?

That the national government would have too much power and states should hold more power.

What did Federalist No. 10 warn against?

The dangers of factions, or groups united by a common interest.

What defines participatory democracy?

Direct participation from citizens who vote on laws and matters affecting them.

What is elite democracy?

A system where the wealthy and educated elite make decisions for the people.

What was one key weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

It did not establish an executive or judicial branch.

What was Shay's Rebellion?

An uprising protesting against the foreclosure of farms and the government's inability to provide aid.

What does Article V of the US Constitution outline?

The process for drafting an amendment.

What was the Great Compromise?

A compromise that created a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House.

What is the Electoral College?

A group of electors from each state that formally elects the president and vice president.

What does Federalist No. 51 explain?

The necessity of separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

What powers are exclusively held by the national government?

Delegated or enumerated powers.

What is a categorical grant?

Federal aid given with restrictions that states must follow.

What did McCulloch v. Maryland establish?

The supremacy clause and that Congress has implied powers.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

A clause that gives Congress the power to create laws deemed necessary and proper.

What does the Commerce Clause allow Congress to do?

Regulate interstate commerce and the buying and selling of products across states.

What does the Tenth Amendment state?

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for state governments or the people.

What does the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee?

Citizenship, equal protection, and due process to all born in the US.