foundations of American democracy

Limited government

Power of government is restricted by laws or a constitution to protect individual rights.

Natural rights

Rights people are born with (life, liberty, property) that cannot be taken away.

Popular sovereignty

Political power comes from the people; government is based on their consent.

Republicanism

Citizens elect representatives to govern for them.

Social contract

People give up some freedoms to government in exchange for protection of rights.

Participatory democracy

Broad, direct participation of citizens in politics.

Pluralist democracy

Many competing groups influence policy.

Elite democracy

A small, powerful group influences political decisions.

Federalism

Power is divided between national and state governments.

Exclusive powers

Powers only the federal or only the state governments can exercise.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by federal and state governments.

Mandates

Federal requirements states must follow.

Revenue sharing

Federal money given to states with few or no conditions.

Categorical grants

Federal funds for a specific purpose with rules.

Block grants

Federal funds for broad purposes with state flexibility.

Enumerated powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers not listed but derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.