Principles of American Government

These flashcards cover key concepts, principles, and landmark cases relevant to American government and its foundational documents.

Social Contract

An agreement between people and government where people give the government power, and in return, the government must protect their rights. If it doesn’t, people can replace it.

Checks and Balances / Separation of Powers

Government power is split into 3 branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) so no one gets too powerful. Each branch can limit the others.

Rule of Law

Everyone must follow the law—even the president. No one is above the law.

Due Process

The government must treat people fairly when enforcing laws, including a fair trial before punishment.

Equal Protection

Laws must apply equally to everyone, ensuring equal treatment under the law.

Popular Sovereignty

The people hold the power, exemplified by voting in elections.

Natural Rights

Rights you are born with including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which the government cannot take away.

Federalism

Power is shared between national and state governments, with examples including the federal government handling military and currency, while states manage education and driver's licenses.

Individual Liberty

Personal freedoms such as speech, religion, etc.

Republicanism

People elect representatives to make decisions instead of direct democracy to avoid chaos.

Majority Rule + Minority Rights

The majority makes decisions while protecting minority rights.

Elections

The process of choosing leaders which must be free, fair, and secure.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is the highest law.

Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to stretch its powers to meet new needs.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to control trade.

Due Process Clause

Ensures fairness in the enforcement of laws.

Equal Protection Clause

Requires laws to apply equally and without discrimination.

Bill of Rights

Protects individual freedoms including speech, religion, and protection against unreasonable searches, among others.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Bill of Rights is applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring independence from Britain emphasizing natural rights and that government derives power from the people.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government that created a weak national government.

U.S. Constitution

The document that replaced the Articles of Confederation, establishing a stronger national government.

Federalist Papers

Essays written to support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing its necessity and safety.

Marbury v. Madison

Created judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Confirmed federal government superiority over states based on the Elastic Clause.

Plessy v. Ferguson

Allowed segregation under the doctrine of 'separate but equal'.

Brown v. Board of Education

Ended school segregation.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Affirmed the right to a lawyer.

Miranda v. Arizona

Established that individuals must be informed of their rights upon arrest.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Upheld students' rights to free speech in schools.

Roe v. Wade

Recognized a woman's right to privacy in making medical decisions, including abortion.