U.S. Government Essential Principles

A set of flashcards designed to help students review essential principles of government and their relation to the U.S. constitutional system.

Politics

The activities associated with governance, including the dynamics in power structures such as pluralism and elites.

Pluralism

A political structure where multiple groups coexist and compete for power and influence.

Elites

Individuals or groups that hold a disproportionate amount of power and influence over society.

Bureaucratic Movement

A structured system of administration and governance that employs non-elected officials.

Social Movements

Collective efforts by groups to promote or resist change in society or government.

Types of Equality

Concepts of equality in the American political system, including:

• Opportunities vs. outcomes
• Economic equality
• Political equality
• Social equality

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that governed the nation prior to the current Constitution.

U.S. Constitution

The foundational document outlining the structure, powers, and limits of the U.S. government.

Ratification

The formal approval process required to enact amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government who advocated for the ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of a strong central government advocating for states' rights and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual liberties.

Separation of Powers

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

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with mechanisms to limit the powers of others.

Federalism

A government system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Dual Federalism

A model of federalism where state and national governments operate independently within their own spheres of influence.

Cooperative Federalism

A model of federalism where state and national governments work together to address issues.

Expressed Powers

Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but inferred from the expressed powers.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental or other interference.

Civil Rights

The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment in various areas such as education, employment, and housing.

Selective Incorporation

The legal doctrine used by courts to apply the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Right to Privacy

The right to keep personal matters private and free from governmental intrusion.

Dred Scott Decision

An 1857 Supreme Court ruling that declared that African Americans could not be American citizens.

Equal Protection Clause

A provision in the Fourteenth Amendment requiring states to treat all individuals equally under the law.

De Jure Discrimination

Discrimination that is enforced by law.

De Facto Discrimination

Discrimination that occurs in practice, even if not mandated by law.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Affirmative Action

Policies that take race, ethnicity, or gender into account to benefit underrepresented groups in areas such as education and employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

A federal agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination.