UNIT REVIEW: CONSTITUTION

Democracy

A system of government in which state power is vested in the people or the general population of a state.

Republic

A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, with an elected president rather than a monarch.

Republicanism

A political ideology that includes civic virtue, political participation, and the rule of law.

Liberalism

A political and moral philosophy based on individual rights, liberty, and political equality.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that all political power originates from the people and is instituted for the common good.

Natural rights

Universal rights that are fundamental and inalienable, not dependent on laws or customs.

Limited government

The concept that political authorities should have legal constraints, especially regarding individual rights.

Social contract theory

A model concerning the legitimacy of state authority over individuals.

John Locke

An influential Enlightenment thinker known as the "father of liberalism."

Majority

More than half of a total.

Supermajority

Three-fifths or more of a total.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution establishing a weak central government.

Shays Rebellion

An uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and prompted calls for a stronger national government.

Connecticut Compromise/Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature with population-based representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Three-fifths compromise

A formula for counting slaves for legislative representation and taxation.

Slave Trade compromise

Allowed Congress to regulate the slave trade for 20 years after the Constitution's ratification.

Electoral College

A body of electors responsible for formally selecting the President and Vice President of the U.S.

Amendment Process

The formal procedure for changing the U.S. Constitution, requiring approval from Congress and state legislatures.

Separation of powers

The division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent concentration of power.

Checks and balances

A system ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.

Impeachment

A formal process to charge a government official with misconduct.

Compare the House and Senate

The House has 435 members serving 2-year terms, while the Senate has 100 members serving 6-year terms.

Federalism

A system where power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

Factions

Groups with shared interests that seek to influence government policy.

Judicial review

The power of courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions.

Marbury v Madison

A landmark case that established the principle of judicial review.

Enumerated powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers inferred from the enumerated powers that allow the federal government to take necessary actions.

Elastic clause/necessary and proper clause

Grants Congress the power to make laws necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Supremacy clause

Establishes that federal law is the highest law in the country.

Commerce clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate trade and commerce across state lines and with foreign nations.

Take care clause

The President's duty to enforce federal laws.

Federalist Papers

Essays written to support and explain the U.S. Constitution.

Arguments of Federalists

Advocated for a strong central government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.

Arguments of Anti-federalists

Expressed concerns about a strong central government, lack of a Bill of Rights, and representation issues.

Bill of Rights as a compromise

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual freedoms.

1st amendment

Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

10th amendment

Reserves powers not given to the federal government for the states or the people.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring the American colonies' independence from Great Britain.

Constitution of the U.S.

The supreme law outlining the framework of the federal government and individual rights.