Polisci Midterm Review

Liberal democracy

A political system characterized by religious neutrality, secularism, individual rights and liberties, limited government, free market capitalism, and representation/voting.

Totalitarianism

A form of extreme authoritarianism that suppresses rights, establishes absolute dictatorship, and disregards civil liberties.

Authoritarianism

A government system where individual rights and personal freedoms are sacrificed for government control, often involving forced obedience.

Declaration of Independence

A foundational document outlining principles such as rule of law, unalienable rights, limited government, and the right to alter or abolish oppressive government, though not legally binding.

Separation of powers

The division of government authority among executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as outlined in Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution.

The Federalist Papers

Essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, produced during the 1787 Philadelphia Convention.

Madison’s concept of human nature

The belief that human nature is inherently problematic, necessitating government to control selfishness for the public good.

Madison’s concept of factions

Groups united by a common interest, passion, or belief, which can threaten the stability of a republic.

Politics

The activities and decision-making processes of government and among people.

Classical liberalism

A political philosophy emphasizing individual rights, liberty, consent of the governed, political equality, and freedom of speech.

Classical economic liberalism

An economic philosophy advocating for free markets, laissez-faire economics, individual autonomy, and limited government.

Civil rights

Personal rights protected by the Constitution and federal laws, including protection from unlawful discrimination.

Civil liberties

Freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, primarily from government interference, particularly those in the First Amendment.

Civil rights vs Liberties

Civil liberties are basic freedoms from government infringement, while civil rights protect against discrimination.

Rule of law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which must be equally enforced.

Secularism

The principle of separating the state from religious institutions.

Representation

Political representation is the activitiy of making citizens "present" in public policy-making processes, representatives speak, advocate, symbolize, and act on behalf of others in the political arena

Democracy

A system of government by the people, exercised directly or indirectly through representation and free elections. Government by the people, supreme power vested in the people and exercised by them directly (direct: initiatives and referendums) or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections

Powers of Congress (Article I, section 8)

Includes authority over commerce, federal budget (taxation, other revenue and spending), and military powers.

The executive

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws and running the government.

The federal judiciary

The power of the Supreme Court to interpret and change laws, as stated, "We live under a Constitution, but the Constitution is what the justices say it is."

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

Charles Evans Hughes, a notable figure in the judiciary.

Populism

Political stances emphasizing the rights of ordinary people, often in opposition to the elite or establishment (wealthy/powerful).

Shays’ Rebellion

An uprising (1786-1787) against high taxes and economic conditions, highlighting weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists

Advocates for a strong central government and the division of power between national and state governments, supporting the Constitution.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution who advocated for personal freedoms and the Bill of Rights, fearing a strong central government.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S., characterized by a weak central government and significant state power. Constitutional convention in 1787 began to rewrite the constitution and was officially replaced in 1789

Political systems by degree of centralization

Ranges from unitary (single power) to federal (shared power) to confederal (limited central power).

The Constitution

The supreme law of the U.S., written in 1787 and ratified in 1789.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, outlining Americans' rights in relation to government.

Bicameralism or bicameral system

A legislative system with two houses, exemplified by Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Three-fifths compromise

A provision that enhanced representation for slave states by counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for congressional representation.

Great compromise (Connecticut compromise)

Established a bicameral legislature and included the electoral college and the three-fifths compromise.

Ratification of the Constitution (1789)

The process by which delegates elected by voting citizens met to support or oppose the Constitution.

Amendment process

The method requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and three-fourths approval from state legislatures to amend the Constitution.

The Sedition Act of 1798

Legislation that criminalized false or malicious writings about the government, highlighting threats to individual liberties.

Peaceful transfer of power

The ceremonial process of transitioning authority from one president to another without conflict.

authoritariansm

This system often features a single party or leader in power, restricts civil liberties, and uses propaganda to maintain control. Citizens have little to no role in governance, and opposition is often met with censorship or violence. Examples include fascism and certain modern regimes.

Madison's concept of separation of powers

This concept, advocated by James Madison, ensures that legislative, executive, and judicial functions are separated, allowing for checks and balances among the branches. This system aims to protect individual liberties and maintain a stable government by preventing tyranny.