Ch 1-3

politics

The process determining the leaders we select and the policies they pursue.

single issue groups

Groups that have a narrow interest on which their members tend to take an uncompromising stance.

linkage institutions

The political channels through which people’s concerns become political issues on the policy agenda.

policy agenda

The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people involved in politics at a point in time.

public policy

A choice that the government makes in response to a political issue.

‘majority rule with minority rights’

The principle that the majority cannot infringe on minority rights.

participatory democracy

A form of democracy in which people get involved in politics and civil society.

pluralist democracy

A democracy that emphasizes open participation of all groups with shared interests.

elite democracy

A form of democracy in which the upper class elite hold power and make policy.

gridlock

A condition that occurs when interests conflict and no coalition is strong enough to form a majority.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1777 and ratified in 1781.

Shays’ Rebellion

A series of attacks on courthouses by farmers led by Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings.

New Jersey Plan

The proposal for equal representation of each state in Congress regardless of population size.

Virginia Plan

The proposal for representation in Congress to be proportional to a state's population.

Connecticut (Great) Compromise

Established two houses of Congress: House of Representatives based on population and Senate with equal representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for taxation and representation.

separation of powers

A feature requiring the three branches of government to be independent and share power.

checks and balances

Features that require each branch of government to obtain consent of the others for its actions.

Federalists

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution during its adoption debates.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the U.S. Constitution during its adoption debates.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution that define basic liberties.

Marbury v. Madison

The 1803 case where the Supreme Court asserted judicial review.

judicial review

The power of courts to determine if acts of Congress and the executive branch align with the Constitution.

federalism

A system of organizing a nation with multiple levels of government over the same land.

supremacy clause

The clause making the Constitution and federal laws supreme over state laws.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution for the states or the people.

enumerated powers

Powers explicitly listed for the federal government in the Constitution.

implied powers

Powers of the federal government that go beyond those explicitly enumerated in the Constitution.

Full Faith and Credit Clause (Article IV)

Requires each state to recognize the public acts and judicial proceedings of other states.

categorical grants

Federal grants used only for specific purposes in state and local spending.

project grants

Federal categorical grants given for specific purposes based on application merits.

formula grants

Federal grants distributed according to a specified formula in legislation.

block grants

Federal grants given automatically to support broad programs in various areas.