PoliSci Midterm

federalists

Political group that supported the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, favoring a strong national government.

anti federalists

Political group opposed to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, advocating for states' rights and a weaker national government.

Virigina plan

Proposal for a strong national government presented at the Constitutional Convention, advocating for representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of population.

Connecticut Comprimise

An agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, combining both proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. This system aims to prevent the concentration of power and provides a system of checks and balances.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central government and local government, allowing for shared governance and local autonomy.

Expressed Powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution, including the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but assumed to exist due to their necessity in executing the expressed powers. These powers allow Congress to adapt to changing needs and situations.

Reserved Powers

All other powers reserved to the states**

Concurrent Powers

Powers that both the central and state/local governments have, like taxing**

Supremacy clause

The national government has absolute power**

Full faith and credit

NO IDEAZ*****

Commerce Clause

Congress has the power to regulate intrastate commerce**

Elastic Clause

Same as Necessary and proper clause***

Unfunded Mandate

A things states’ are required to change but are given no money to do so***

Grants-in-aid

NO IDEA*****

Block Grants

Specific things states’ must do and are funded by the federal government**

Cooperative Federalism

Bicameral governing bodies***

New Federalism

NO IDEA******

Establishment Clause

The government is unable to make a national religion**

Free Exercise Clause

The right to exercise any religion one may choose

Probable Clause

NO IDEA******