Gov Unit 1 flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to the foundations of American democracy.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to examine and invalidate legislative and executive actions that are deemed unconstitutional.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary to implement the expressed powers.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

The Great Compromise

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, particularly advocating for a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, who feared that a strong central government would threaten individual liberties.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantee individual liberties and rights.

Checks and Balances

A system used to keep the government from getting too powerful in one branch by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Judicial Review

The ability of the Supreme Court to invalidate legislation or executive actions as unconstitutional.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights all individuals are entitled to, often referenced as life, liberty, and property in Locke's philosophy.

Categorical Grants

A form of federal funding to state or local governments for a specific purpose, with strict regulations on how the money is to be spent.

Block Grants

Federal funds provided to states with broad discretion on how to spend them, allowing for flexibility in addressing local needs.

Electoral College

A body of representatives established by the Constitution for the sole purpose of electing the President and Vice President.

Federal Mandates

Regulations that the federal government imposes on state and local governments, often requiring them to comply without providing funding.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for taxation and representation purposes.