Braches of US Govt and how they can check each other

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to human beings, not dependent on governments.

Social Contract

An agreement among individuals to form a government that will protect their rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the U.S. that established a weak national government.

Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

Established a bicameral legislature.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Separation of Powers

Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.

Checks and Balances

System where each branch can monitor and limit the functions of the other branches.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties.

Amendment Process

Proposal by 2/3 of both houses of Congress or a national convention for ratification.

Dual Federalism

State and national governments operate independently.

Cooperative Federalism

Collaboration between state and national governments.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established the supremacy of the federal government over state governments.

US v. Lopez

Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

Political Socialization

Process by which individuals acquire political beliefs and values.

Liberalism

Advocates for civil rights, social justice, and a more active role of the government in the economy.

Conservatism

Emphasizes limited government, free market, and traditional social values.

Socialism

Advocates for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

Voting Behavior

Factors influencing voter turnout include age, race, education, and socioeconomic status.

Political Parties

Major political parties include Democrats and Republicans.

Interest Groups

Organizations that influence policy and elections through lobbying and advocacy.