Unit 1 Gov Vocab

Government

Government

The system or organization that makes and enforces rules and laws for a society.

Collective Good

Something that benefits everyone in a community, like clean air or national defense.

Politics

The process of making decisions and policies for a group or society.

Political Participation

Involvement in activities related to government, such as voting or protesting.

Linkage Institution

A channel that connects citizens to government, like political parties or the media.

Policy Agenda

The list of issues that government is currently addressing or considering.

Policy Makers/Policy Making Institutions

Individuals or organizations responsible for creating and implementing government policies.

Public Policy

Decisions and actions taken by the government to address societal issues.

Majority Rule

The principle that decisions are made by the choice of more than half the people.

Minority Rights

Protections for individuals and groups who are not in the majority, ensuring their rights are respected.

Pluralism

The idea that multiple groups and interests influence government decisions.

Elitism

The belief that a small, privileged group holds significant power in society and government.

Hyper-Pluralism

A situation where too many interest groups compete, leading to government inefficiency.

Policy Gridlock

When government is unable to make decisions or pass laws due to disagreement and inaction.

Constitution

A fundamental document that establishes a government's structure and principles.

Declaration of Independence

A document that announced the American colonies' independence from British rule.

Natural Rights

Basic rights, like life and liberty, that people have inherently and should be protected by government.

Consent of the Governed

The idea that government's legitimacy comes from the approval of the people it governs.

Articles of Confederation

The first American constitution, creating a loose union of states.

Shay's Rebellion

A 1786 revolt by farmers in Massachusetts against oppressive economic policies.

Factions

Groups or political parties with shared interests and goals.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for equal state representation in Congress.

Virginia Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for representation in Congress based on population.

Connecticut Compromise

The agreement that created a bicameral Congress with both equal and proportional representation.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A legal order requiring a person's release if they are held without a fair trial.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into branches with distinct roles (executive, legislative, judicial).

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.

Republic

A form of government where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people.

Federalists

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution and a strong federal government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the U.S. Constitution, concerned about centralized power.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protecting individual freedoms.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to review and potentially overturn laws or actions that violate the Constitution.

Federalism

A system where power is shared between a central government and regional governments.

Supremacy Clause

The part of the U.S. Constitution stating that federal laws take precedence over state laws.

10th Amendment

Affirms that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution for the federal government.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly mentioned but inferred as necessary for the federal government.

Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to pass laws necessary and proper for carrying out its powers.

Full Faith and Credit

States must recognize and respect the legal decisions of other states.

Extradition

The process of returning a fugitive from one state to another.

Privileges and Immunities

States cannot discriminate against citizens from other states.

Dual Federalism

Clear separation of powers and responsibilities between the federal and state governments.

Cooperative/New Federalism

Collaboration between federal and state governments on policy and programs.

Devolution

The transfer of power and responsibilities from the federal government to states.

Fiscal Federalism

The division of financial responsibilities between federal and state governments.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for specific purposes, with strict guidelines.

Project Grants

Grants awarded based on a competitive application process.

Formula Grants

Grants distributed based on a formula determined by legislation.

Block Grants

Grants that provide states with more flexibility in how to spend federal funds.