Studied by 24 people
Limited Government
The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens. One of the first restrictions in human history was the Magna Carta which made the King of England equal to all citizens under the law. Also the English Bill of Rights passed after the English Civil War was essential to stopping the exploitation of natural rights.
Thomas Hobbes
Wrote The Leviathan in which he stated: Man is inherently EVIL. Man needs rules and laws to protects himself from himself.
John Locke
Wrote the Second Treatise of Civil Government in which he stated: Man is inherently GOOD. Man receives civil rights by respecting and defending the rights of others.
Baron de Montesquieu
Wrote The Spirit of Laws and preferred a Republic over Democracy. Function of government is to maintain order, protect liberty and property. Tyranny is avoided by checks and balances.
Natural Rights
Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property. The concept of natural rights was central to the English philosopher John Locke's theories about government and was widely accepted among America's Founders.
Popular Sovereignty
A doctrine in political theory that the people have the ultimate authority. "We the People..." Popular in this regard means more than 50% to ALL. Sovereignty means the free will to choose what you want by casting a vote.
Republicanism
The belief of American revolutionaries which stated men were entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The only way that these rights could be taken away or limited, were by laws created through the consent of the governed.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Wrote The Social Contract. Argued that the only good government was one that was freely formed with the consent of the people, this consent was shown in a "social contract".
Social Contract Theory
When, under their free will, people give up their rights for law and order. Theory was developed by Rousseau and Hobbes. One must give up some freedoms in order to establish a civil society.
Representative Democracy
Government in which the people elect those who govern and pass laws; also called a republic.
John Adams
A lawyer from Boston that helped to lead the Continental Congress. Was a staunch advocate for Independence. Early leader of the Federalist Party. First VP and 2nd President.
Benjamin Franklin
First universal American genius and printer. Created the Albany Plan of the Union ("Join or Die"). Was a problem solver and a consensus builder.
Thomas Jefferson
A founding father of America. Wanted to be remembered for 3 things. Writer of the Declaration of Independence, and the Statue of Virginia for Religious Freedom. Father of the University of Virginia. He also was an ambassador to France, S.O.S. to Washington, President, and purchased the Louisiana Territory. Was originally a strict constructionist, but turned to a loose constructionist.
Committee of Five
Congress appointed a group of 5 men to draft a resolution declaring independence from Great Britain. It included John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, & Roger Sherman.
Declaration of Independence
Ratified on July 4th, 1776. Solely written by Thomas Jefferson, includes some of America's most essential ideologies. Made up of 4 parts: the preamble (why it was being written), the new political theories (Natural Rights & Social Contract), Grievances (against King), and Independence statement.
Alexander Hamilton
Founding Father of the US. Born in St. Kitts and Nevis. Was Washington's S.O.T. Author of the majority of the Federalist Papers (51). Supported a strong central government with a centralized bank. Infamously killed in a duel with Aaron Burr in Weehawken, NJ.
James Madison
Founding Father. "Father of the Constitution," Federalist leader, and fourth President of the US. A Virginian and very close to Thomas Jefferson. President during the War of 1812.
George Washington
Know as the "Father of the Country." Revolutionary War Hero and General of all forces. Presided over the Constitutional Convention. Was elected unanimously as President. Established many precedents as the first President. Disliked partisanship but sided with Federalists most times.
US Constitution
The United States' most basic laws. It created political institutions, divided powers in government, and provided guarantees of rights to citizens. 7 Articles and 27 Amendments.
Participatory Democracy
A model of democracy in which citizens have the power to make policy decisions. Participatory democracy emphasizes the broad participation of people in politics.
Pluralist Democracy
Also known as Pluralism, it is a model of democracy in which no one group dominates politics and organized groups compete with each other to influence policy.
elite democracy
Also known as elitism, it is a model of democracy in which a small number of people, usually those who are wealthy and well-educated, influence political decision making.
Interest Groups
A collection of people who share a common interest or attitude and seek to influence government for specific ends. Interest groups usually work within the framework of government and try to achieve their goals through tactics such as lobbying.
Initiative
Procedure whereby a certain number of voters may, by petition, propose a law or constitutional amendment and have it submitted to the voters.
Referendum
Procedure for submitting to popular vote measures passed by the legislature or proposed amendments to a state constitution.
Article of Confederation
The first constitution of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. The Articles established a national legislature, the Continental Congress, but most authority rested with the state legislature.
Anti-Federalists
Individuals who rose up as opponents of the Constitution during the ratification process. They opposed the Constitution's powerful centralized government, arguing that the Constitution gave too much political, economic, and military control. They instead advocated a decentralized governmental structure that granted most power to the states.
Federalists
A term used to describe supporters of the Constitution during ratification debates in state legislatures.
Federalist Papers
A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the name "Publius" to defend the Constitution.
Shay's Rebellion
A 1787 rebellion in which ex-Revolutionary War soldiers attempted to prevent foreclosures of farms as a result of high interest rates and taxes. Led to the Articles of Confederation being revised and later scrapped.
Brutus I
Antifederalist Paper, afraid that Congress would have way too much power (Supremacy and Necessary and Proper Clauses). A large republic would be impossible to sustain.
Federalist No. 10
An essay composed by James Madison which argues that liberty is safest in a large republic because many interests (factions) exist. Such diversity makes tyranny by the majority more difficult since other majority factions will cancel out/control each other.
Factions
A term the founders used to refer to political parties and special interests or interest groups.
Article I
Focuses on the legislative branch. Congress makes laws for the US. Congress is made up of 2 parts called "Houses" the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress also has the power to borrow money for the nation, declare war and raise a military. It also has the power to check and balance the other branches.
Bicameral
The system of having two chambers within one legislative body, like the House and Senate in the U.S. Congress. Developed in Article I Section 2 & 3.
Constitutional Convention
The meeting of state delegates in 1787 in Philadelphia called to revise the Articles of Confederation. It instead designed a new plan of government, the US Constitution.
Great Compromise
Compromise made by the Constitutional Convention in which states would have equal representation in one house of the legislature and representation based on population in the other house.
New Jersey Plan
A constitutional proposal that would have given each state one vote in a new congress.
Virginia Plan
"Large state" proposal for the new constitution, calling for proportional representation in both houses of a bicameral Congress. The plan favored larger states and thus prompted smaller states to come back with their own plan for apportioning representation.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Compromise between northern and southern states at the Constitutional Convention that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for determining direct taxation and representation in the House of Representatives.
Compromise on the Importation of Slaves
A compromise was reached by stating that Congress could not prohibit the slave trade until 1808 (20 Years), but imported slaves could be taxed. Article I Section 9.
Commerce Clause
The powers of Congress to regulate the economy granted in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution. Can regulate trade between states with foreign nations, and with Indian Tribes.
Ex Post Facto Law
A law which punishes people for a crime that was not a crime when it was committed. Congress is forbidden to pass these types of laws.
Bill of Attainder
A law that punishes a person accused of a crime without a trial or a fair hearing in court. Congress is forbidden to pass these types of laws.
Writ of Habeas Corpus
A court order requiring explanation to a judge why a prisoner is being held in custody.
Enumerated Powers
Constitutional powers SPECIFICALLY NAMED in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8).
Advice & Consent
A legal expression in the Constitution that allows the Senate to constrain the President's powers of appointment and treaty-making.
Necessary & Proper Clause
Constitutional clause that gives congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its powers. Most broad power given to the government.
Article II
Focuses on the Executive Branch. This branch of the government manages the day-to-day operations through different federal departments and agencies. At the head of this branch is the nationally elected President of the United States. (Also includes the Vice President, Cabinet, and departments under Cabinet Secretaries).
Electoral College
A group of people named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president. Each state has electors = # of senators + # of House of Representatives. Cannot be a senator or representative.
Separation of Powers
Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches which prevents concentration of power.
Veto
President's Constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by the legislative body.
Pocket Veto
A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it.
Impeachment
An action by the House of Representatives to accuse the president, vice president, or other civil officers of the United States of committing "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."
Original Constitution
The Constitution written in 1787 and approved in accordance with Article VII by 1789, before it was amended.
Article III
Focuses on the Judicial Branch. Determines that the court of last resort is the US Supreme Court and that the US Congress has the power to determine the size and scope of those courts below it. Courts below the Supreme Court decide criminal and civil court cases according to the correct federal, state, and local laws.
Article IV
Explains the relationship between the states and the federal government. The federal government guarantees a republican form of government in each state, protects the nation and the people from foreign/domestic violence, and determines how new states can join the Union. Also suggests that all the states are equal to each other and establishes the FULL FAITH AND CREDIT CLAUSE.
Article V
Focuses on Amendments. Explains that the constitution can be altered if necessary. It is required that for new amendments to be added to the constitution 2/3 of congress needs to approve the amendment and 3/4 of the states need to approve the amendment.
Article VI
Article explains that debts/engagements that's the USA encountered prior to the creation of the constitution are still valid. Article explains the SUPREMACY CLAUSE. All state/federal officers, judges need to uphold all of the Constitutions rules.
Article VII
Addresses how many states need to ratify the Constitution in order for it to be used in the United States and how states should go about ratifying the constitution.
Ratification
The process by which a Constitutional amendment, or other document is officially put into place.
Supremacy Clause
Article VI of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution, national laws, and treaties supreme over state laws when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits.
Treason
Refers to the betrayal of one's own country by attempting to overthrow the government. Specific crime outlined in the Constitution.Z
Full Faith & Credit Clause
Constitution's requirement that each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.
Privileges and Immunities Clause
States are prohibited from unreasonably discriminating against residents of other states (Article IV).
Amendments
A change to the Constitution.
Bill of Rights
First 10 Amendments to the Constitution, drafted by Madison, placed limitations on Congress/Federal Government and protects natural rights.
1st Amendment
Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition.
2nd Amendment
Right to keep and bear arms.
3rd Amendment
Soldiers can't be housed in civilian homes during peacetime.
4th Amendment
Protection against unreasonable Search and Seizure.
5th Amendment
Criminal Proceeding; Due Process; Eminent Domain; Double Jeopardy; Protection from Self Incrimination.
6th Amendment
The right to a Speedy Trial by Jury, representation by an attorney for an accused person.
7th Amendment
Right to a trial by jury in civil cases.
8th Amendment
No cruel and unusual punishment.
9th Amendment
Citizens entitled to rights not listed in the Constitution.
10th Amendment
Powers not given to the Federal Government go to the PEOPLE & STATES.
11th Amendment
Prohibits citizens of one state or foreign country from suing another state.
12th Amendment
Presidential and Vice-Presidential nominees would run on the same party ticket.
13th Amendment
Civil War Amendment. Abolition of Slavery.
14th Amendment
Civil War Amendment. Declares that all persons born in the US are citizens and are guaranteed equal protection of the laws.
15th Amendment
Civil War Amendment. Citizens cannot be denied the right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
16th Amendment
Progress Era Amendment: Allows the federal government to collect income tax.
17th Amendment
Progressive Era Amendment. Established the direct election of Senators (instead of being chosen by State Legislatures).
18th Amendment
Progressive Era Amendment. Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. *Prohibition.
19th Amendment
Progressive Era Amendment. Gave women the right to vote.
20th Amendment
Congress begins on January 3rd; President starts on January 20th. "Lame Duck" Amendment.
21st Amendment
Repeal of Prohibition (18th Amendment).
22nd Amendment
Limits the President to 2 Terms.
23rd Amendment
Citizens of Washington DC have the right to vote in Presidential Elections.
24th Amendment
Abolishes ALL poll taxes.
25th Amendment
(1) Succession of Vice President if President dies or becomes incapable to do his job. (2) If there is no Vice President, the President must appoint one, and Congress must approve. Succession of Power Amendment.
26th Amendment
Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
27th Amendment
Congressional pay raises are not begun until the next election.
Checks and Balances
Constitutional grant of powers that enables each of the three branches of government to check some acts of the others and therefore ensure that no branch can dominate. Established in Federalist No. 51.
Federalist No. 51
Argues that separation of powers within the national government is the best way to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one person or a single group.
Federalism
A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments
Dual Federalism
First form of Federalism. a system of government where the government's powers are strictly divided between the state and national governments. Lasted until the New Deal. LAYER CAKE FEDERALISM
Cooperative Federalism
A system of government where the federal and state governments work on the same issues. New Deal & FDR. Massively increases the size and scope of the government. MARBLE CAKE FEDERALISM
Devolution
Political Theory first espoused by Richard Nixon and carried out by Ronald Reagan. New Federalism advocates the downsizing of the federal government and the devolution of power to the states. NEW FEDERALISM
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