Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and historical foundations of the American political system, focusing on terms and ideas essential for understanding the Constitution and its principles.

What is a Constitution?

A Constitution is the fundamental law that outlines the structure, functions, and limits of government.

What are examples of forms of government?

Examples of forms of government include democracy, republic, and monarchy.

Define Limited Government.

Limited government is a political system in which the powers of the government are restricted by law, often through a constitution.

What is a Mixed Constitution?

A Mixed Constitution combines elements of democracy, oligarchy, and monarchy.

What is the significance of a Written Constitution?

A Written Constitution provides a clear and accessible source of law that outlines citizens' rights and government limitations.

What did the Magna Carta establish?

The Magna Carta established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law.

What are Inalienable Rights?

Inalienable rights are fundamental rights that cannot be taken away or given up.

Explain Social Contract Theory.

Social Contract Theory posits that individuals consent to form a government that will protect their rights in exchange for some of their freedoms.

What is Popular Sovereignty?

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

What defines Civic Virtue?

Civic virtue refers to the dedication of citizens to the common good, often requiring personal sacrifice.

What is the significance of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights includes the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights to individuals.

What does the term Faction mean in the context of federalism?

A faction is a group of individuals, such as a political party, that seeks to influence public policy and governance.

How do Checks and Balances function?

Checks and Balances ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

What does Judicial Review entail?

Judicial Review is the power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

Define Civil Disobedience.

Civil Disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws or commands of a government, based on moral grounds.

What is meant by 'Sovereignty' in political terms?

Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

How is the right to petition significant in a democracy?

The right to petition allows individuals to make complaints to or seek assistance from their government without fear of punishment.

What is meant by the term 'Due Process'?

Due process refers to the legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.