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Limited government
Governmental power is restricted by law, usually through a constitution, to protect individual rights.
Participatory democracy
A system where citizens actively participate in the decision-making process
Federalist #10
An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic can control factions better than smaller ones.
Brutus #1
An anti-Federalist paper warning that the Constitution would create an over powerful central government.
Reserved Powers
Powers assigned to the states or the people under the Tenth Amendment
Factions
Groups of people united by a common interest that may be adverse to the rights of others or the public good
Article I
Establishes the legislative branch, outlining the powers, structure, and functions of Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Article II
Establishes the executive branch, detailing the powers and responsibilities of the President and Vice President, including enforcing laws and commanding the military.
Article III
Establishes the judicial branch, creating the Supreme Court and outlining its jurisdiction, as well as the role of lower courts.
Article IV
Addresses the relationships between states, including the Full Faith and Credit Clause, privileges and immunities, and the admission of new states.
Article V
Outlines the amendment process, specifying how changes can be proposed and ratified to adapt the Constitution over time.
Article VI
Establishes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the "supreme law of the land" and includes the Supremacy Clause. It also mandates an oath of office and prohibits religious tests for officeholders.
Article VII
Describes the ratification process, requiring nine of the thirteen original states to approve the Constitution for it to take effect.
Federalist #51
An essay emphasizing checks and balances and the separation of powers to prevent tyranny
Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxing and law enforcement.
“Marble Cake” Federalism
A metaphor describing cooperative federalism where state and federal powers overlap
Mandates
Directives from the federal government that states must follow, often without funding.Federal funding provided to states for specific purposes, with strict guidelines
Categorical Grants
Federal funding provided to states for specific purposes, with strict guidelines
Tenth Amendment
Affirms that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.
Commerce Clause
Gives Congress the power to regulate trade among states and with foreign nations.
Implied Powers
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to carry out enumerated powers
State Sovereignty
The concept that states have independent authority and are not entirely controlled by the federal government.
Statute
A formal written law enacted by a legislative body.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
A Supreme Court case affirming federal supremacy and validating implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.
United States vs. Lopez (1995)
Limited Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause by striking down a federal law on gun-free school zones.
Political socialization
The process by which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.
Individualism
The belief in the importance of individual rights and responsibilities over collective goals.
Rule of law
The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to the law.
Benchmark polls
Initial surveys used to gauge public opinion and establish a starting point for a campaign.
Conservative ideology
A political philosophy emphasizing tradition, limited government, and free-market policies.
Keynesian economic policies
Economic strategies advocating government intervention to stabilize the economy during recessions
Fiscal policy
Government use of spending and taxation to influence the economy
Congressional committee
A group in Congress that handles specific duties, such as drafting bills and oversight.
Partisanship
Strong allegiance to one’s political party, often leading to reluctance to compromise.
Shaw v. Reno (1993)
A Supreme Court case ruling that racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause.
Federalist #70
Argues for a single, energetic executive for effective governance and accountability.
Bully pulpit
A president’s platform to promote an agenda and influence public opinion
Federalist #78
Discusses the role of the judiciary and the importance of judicial review.
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to strike down unconstitutional laws.
Precedent
A legal decision that serves as a rule for future cases.
Federal bureaucracy
Agencies and employees of the executive branch responsible for implementing laws.
“Iron triangles”
A relationship between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups that influences policy
Power of the purse
The ability of Congress to control spending and fund government programs.
Suffrage
The right to vote in political elections.
Fifteenth Amendment
Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race or previous servitude.
Nineteenth Amendment
Grants women the right to vote.
Twenty Sixth Amendment
Lowers the voting age to 18
Interest groups
Organizations that advocate for specific policies or issues.
Party platforms
A political party’s formal statement of its goals and policies
Proportional voting system
Allocates seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives
Winner-take-all voting system
The candidate with the majority wins all the representation.
Incumbency advantage
Benefits enjoyed by current officeholders, making reelection easier
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002
Legislation aimed at regulating campaign financing and reducing soft money.
Soft money
Unregulated contributions to political parties for general use, banned by the BCRA.
Hard money
Regulated donations to candidates for specific campaign purposes.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
Allowed unlimited political spending by corporations and unions as free speech
Horse Race journalism
Media focus on candidates’ standings in polls rather than their policies
Watchdog
The media’s role in monitoring government and exposing wrongdoing.
Media bias
The perceived or actual partiality in news reporting
Fiscal federalism
The financial relationship between federal and state governments, often involving grants and funding.
Amendment 1
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
Amendment 2
The right of the people to keep and bear arms.
Amendment 3
It prevents soldiers from being quartered in private homes without consent during peacetime.
Amendment 4
Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; requires probable cause and a warrant.
Amendment 5
Protection from self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and ensures duet process and just compensation for property taken.
Amendment 6
The right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, and the right to counsel.
Amendment 7
The right to a jury trial in civil cases involving disputes over property or money.
Amendment 8
Excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendment 9
That the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean others do not exist.
Amendment 10
That powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.
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