Gov

Direct Democracy

Citizens meet and vote directly on government decisions.

Representative Democracy (Republic)

Citizens choose officials who make decisions on government policy.

Magna Carta (1215)

The first attempt to limit the power of the British King and guarantee certain rights to all people.

Social Contract Theory

People enter into a social contract with the government and allow to be ruled.

Consent of the Governed

Principle that rulers depend on the approval of the people; people have the right to change the government if rights are not protected.

Natural Rights

Principle that all people are born with certain rights like life, liberty, and property.

Declaration of Independence

Document by Thomas Jefferson based on principles of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," consent of the governed, and social contract theory.

Common Good

Belief in doing what's best for the nation overall.

Popular Sovereignty

Belief that ultimate authority rests with the people.

Majority Rule

Belief that government is run based on the will of the majority.

Articles of Confederation

Weak association of states with no central executive power and limited federal authority.

Shays' Rebellion

Farmer rebellion in Massachusetts highlighting the weaknesses of the central government.

Federalist Papers

Articles supporting the Constitution written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government has power over the others while retaining independence.

Federalism

Separation of powers between Federal, State, and Local governments.

Devolution

Process of returning power to the states, initiated during New Federalism.

Federal Powers (Expressed, Implied, Inherent)

Powers of the Federal government listed in the Constitution, based on necessary and proper clause, and dealing with foreign policy.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by Federal and State governments like taxation and establishing courts.

Reserved Powers

Powers not denied nor given to the federal government, reserved for state governments.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is superior to state law, established through the McCulloch vs. Maryland case.