American politics chapter 1-3

Politics

the process of deciding who gets what, when, and how

Government

the institutions and people that make and enforce decisions for society.

public policy

a government decision or action intended to address a public problem.

democracy

a system in which the people have power in government.

representative democracy

citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf.

direct democracy

citizens directly participate in making government decisions.

political institutions

organized structures that carry out government functions, such as Congress, the presidency, and the courts.

political participation

actions citizens take to influence government and politics.

political culture

shared beliefs and values about government and politics.

political ideology

a set of beliefs about how government and society should work.

liberalism

a broad ideology generally emphasizing government action to address social/economic problems, equality and individual/civil rights.

conservatism

a broad ideology generally emphasizing limited government,, tradition, individual responsibility, and order.

liberty

freedom to make choices and act without unnecessary government interference.

equality

the idea that people should be treated fairly/equally.

order

stability, safety, and the maintenance of rules in society.

compromise

each side gives up something in order to reach an agreement.

political conflict

disagreement over government decisions, policies, values, or interests.

citizen participation

citizen involvement in government; participation gives people a voice and can strengthen democracy.

what are the three themes?

1. politics is conflictual

2. the process matters

3. politics is everywhere

why is politics conflictual?

people disagree about interests, values, policies, and resources.

why is compromise necessary?

because democracy involves people with different views and interests.

why does government exist?

to make and enforce collective decisions and address public problems.

how does citizen participation strengthen democracy?

by giving people a role in the government.

what are the articles of confederation?

America’s first national governing system; it created a national government that was too weak to effectively handle many national problems.

What was the Constitutional Convention?

the 1787 meeting where delegates addressed problems with the Articles and created the Constitution.

what its the Virginia plan?

favored representation in the legislature based largely on population.

what is the New Jersey plan?

favored equal representation for states.

what is the great compromise?

created a two house legislature; house representation based on population and equal representation in the Senate.

what is the 3/5ths compromise?

a founding-era compromise concerning how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation.

who are the federalists?

they supported the Constitution and a stronger national government.

who were the anti-federalists?

they feared an overly powerful national government and wanted stronger protections for individual rights.

what is ratification?

formal approval of the Constitution.

what are the Bill of Rights?

the firs ten amendments, protecting important individual freedoms and limiting government power.

what is popular sovereignty?

the principle that government gets its authority from the people.

what is rule of law?

everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law.

what are the separation of powers?

divides national government power among three branches.

what is checks and balances?

gives each branch powers that can limit the other branches.

what is judicial review?

courts’ power to determine whether the government actions/laws are consistent with the Constitution.

what is limited government?

government power is restricted by the Constitution and laws.

what does the legislative branch do?

Congress- makes laws

what does the executive branch do?

President- enforces laws

what does the judicial branch do?

Courts- interpret laws.

why divide power?

separation of powers and checks help prevent one branch from becoming too powerful and help protect liberty.

what does “We the people” emphasize?

popular sovereignty- the people are the source of government authority.

what is federalism?

a system in which governmental power is divided between the national government and state governments.

what are enumerated powers?

powers specifically given to the national government

what are reserved powers?

powers kept for the states; connected to the Tenth Amendment.

what are concurrent powers?

powers shared by the national and state governments.

what is the necessary and proper clause?

provides Congress flexibility to make laws needed to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.

what is the Commerce clause?

gives Congress authority to regulate commerce/interstate economic activity and has supported and expanded federal authority.

what is the supremacy clause?

when valid federal and state laws conflict, federal law generally takes priority when the Constitution gives the federal government authority.

what is the tenth amendment?

reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.

what is cooperative federalism?

national and state governments work together to accomplish goals.

what is dual federalism?

national and state government have more clearly separated areas of responsibility.

what is devolution?

transfer of power/ responsibility from the national government to state or local governments.

what are categorical grants?

federal money given to state/local governments for a specific purpose.

what are block grants?

federal money for a broader policy area, giving state more flexibility.

what are mandates?

requirements imposed by a higher level of government on a lower level of government.

why did the framers write the constitution?

To create a stronger national government, establish a system of government, protect individual rights, and maintain order and stability.

Why does citizen participation strengthen democracy?

It gives people a voice in government, holds leaders accountable, and helps ensure government reflects the people’s needs and opinions.

How public policy affects everyday life?

Government decisions and laws affect things like education, healthcare, taxes, transportation, and public safety.

How the Commerce Clause expanded federal authority?

It gave Congress power to regulate interstate commerce (trade between states), increasing federal power over the economy.

Why do states receive federal grants?

To help fund programs and services, such as education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety.