Key Vocabulary, People, and Documents of Government

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, foundational documents, political philosophies, and constitutional principles from the unit.

Autocracy

A system of government defined on the slide as encompassing both Monarchy and Dictatorship.

Democracy vs. Republic

Government structures comparing Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy with a Republic.

Unitary vs. Federal vs. Confederate

The three structural systems used to distribute power between central and regional governments.

Unicameral vs. Bicameral

Legislative structures consisting of a single house (unicameral) versus two houses (bicameral).

Natural Rights

A key political concept regarding fundamental human rights possessed by all individuals.

Liberty vs. Order

The fundamental political tension between personal freedom and state authority or control.

Capitalism vs. Socialism

The two primary economic systems compared within the study of political culture and ideology.

Ideology

A spectrum of political beliefs categorized into Liberalism vs. Conservatism and Moderates, mapped using a Political Compass.

Agents of Political Socialization

The factors and institutions that influence and shape an individual's political opinions and beliefs.

Social Contract Thinkers

John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, two key philosophers with differing views on the social contract.

Foundational Social Contract Documents

Early American political documents contrasted in the curriculum, specifically the Mayflower Compact vs. Declaration of Independence.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. governing document, studied through its strengths, weaknesses, and events like Shays' Rebellion (contrasted with the Whiskey Rebellion).

Virginia & New Jersey Plans

The two competing proposals introduced at the Constitutional Convention regarding state representation and structure in the national government.

Constitutional Compromises

Key agreements made at the Constitutional Convention, listed as the "Great" Compromise, the 3/5 Compromise, and the Slave Trade Compromise.

Federalist v. Anti-Federalist

The opposing political factions in the debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Purpose of Government (Preamble)

The core aims and objectives of the U.S. government as stated in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

Formal vs. Informal Amendment

The distinction between changes made directly to the written text of the U.S. Constitution (formal) versus changes made through interpretation and practice (informal).