Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

anti-federalist

Wanted a smaller national government

Wanted power to reside in the states

Biggest fear was replacing one tyrannical government with another

Brutus I - becomes the document of this side.

federalist

Wanted a strong national government

Central government needed power to keep a unified nation

Believed a strong central government would protect citizens rights and liberties

The Federalist Papers become the documents for this side

Participatory democracy

democracy that emphasizes broad (wide) participation in politics and civil society

Pluralist democracy

democracy that emphasizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interests striving for impact on political decision making

Elitist democracy

democracy that emphasizes limited participation in politics and civil society. Power rests in the hands of the powerful

Delegate

elected officials are there to carry out the wishes of their constituents

Trustee

elected officials will act in the best interests of their constituents (may not always be what they want, but what is best for them)

Politico

elected officials balance the needs of their constituents with the needs of their political party

Separation of Power

balance power amongst a number of branches, rather than in the hands of one

checks and balances

system that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by providing overlapping authority.

Dual Federalism

Each government has responsibilities and the other does not intervene. (They stay in their lane) I.e.: marriage licenses, driver license, teacher certificates, etc…

Cooperative Federalism

Federal and State governments work together in various fields needed to help the country and/or citizens. I.e: Education, legislation protecting citizens

Necessary and Proper clause

clause that gives Congress the power to make laws related to carrying out its enumerated powers, but Supreme Court interpretations can influence the extent of these powers

Due Process clause

clause that gives the national government the power to enforce protections for any person

Equal Protection clause

clause that gives the national government the power to enforce protections for specific groups that are being targeted and not given the same rights as other citizens.

Commerce clause

clause that gives the national government the power to regulate interstate commerce) And is often used outside of the scope of economics in the hopes to get legislation passed.

Supremacy clause

clause that gives the national government and its laws general precedence over states’ laws

categorical grants

money to state that is accepted with strings attached (specific congressional guidelines); spending is usually connected to specific areas of need - state healthcare, road construction, ect.

block grants

offer large sums of money for some larger purpose (education, community development, ect.) without strings attached

federal mandates

federal monies requiring states to follow a federal directive/rule, with compliance leading to the reward of funding (unless its unfunded)

natural rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, such as life, liberty, and property (John Locke)