Civics

2025-2026

Purpose of government

Maintain Public Order, protect life+property, and provide public goods-things the government provides that all can use.

Power

 Is the ability to get others to do what you want them to do

Politics

 the pursuit of power

legitimate power

 The extent to which a leaders’ power is seen as being valid and appropriate by the people over whom they govern.

authority

legal rights to have power and enforce rules through legal or official means

Sovereignty

supreme power or authority, the authority of a state to govern itself or another state

State of nature

 It describes a condition where there is no political authority, allowing for complete freedom, and is often used to explore human nature and justify different forms of government. Philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke have used this concept to discuss the rights and conditions of individuals in society

civil society

Civil society refers to a dense network of groups, communities, and organizations that exist between the individual and the state. It encompasses a range of civic groups that function outside of government, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, and labor unions. Civil society plays a crucial role in promoting public engagement and social ties, acting as the "third sector" of society, distinct from government and business.

social contract

a contract that is said and not written down.

Civic Virtue

Helping the community and country (voting, obeying laws, helping others)

Natural Law

Rules that people get at birth that people believe in. They exist without being written down.

State of Nature

No government and no rules, people do whatever they want but it could be dangerous without protection or order.

Separation of Powers

 Diving the government, so no part is too powerful (Legislative, {makes laws} Executive {enforces laws}, Judicial {interprets laws})

Unalienable Rights

Rights that people are born with and cannot be taken away. (Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)

Popular Sovereignty

People are in charge, and the government gets its power from people’s votes and voices

Federalists

Support a strong federal government, wanted the constitution to be approved as it was

Anti-Federalists

Worried the constitution gave too much power to the national government, and wanted a bill of rights to protect individual freedoms. 

Due Process

Fair treatment through the legal system.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government limits the others.

Federalism

Power is shared between national and state governments

Enumerated Powers

Enumerated Powers

Delegated Powers

Powers given to the federal government.

Reserved Powers

Powers kept by the states.

Implied Powers

Powers not written but allowed to carry out expressed powers.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by federal and state governments.

Elastic Clause / Necessary & Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its powers.

Independent Judiciary

Courts operate separately from other branches.

Strict Construction

Interpreting the Constitution exactly as written.

Loose Construction

Interpreting the Constitution in a flexible way.

Judicial Review

Courts can decide if laws or actions are unconstitutional.