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Popular Sovereignty
The concept that the government's authority originates from the people, exemplified in the Declaration of Independence.
Representative Democracy (Republicanism)
A system where elected representatives govern, reflecting the will of the people through elections.
Participatory Democracy
Emphasizes broad political involvement as crucial for democracy, evident in universal suffrage.
Pluralist Democracy
Involves interest groups advocating for policies, shaping governance, and policy-making processes.
Elitist Democracy
Acknowledges the disproportionate influence of the wealthy and elites in governance, as discussed in Federalist 51 and Brutus 1.
The Great Compromise
A bicameral legislature balancing state interests, with the House based on population and the Senate with equal representation.
Electoral College
A system to elect the President, requiring 270 votes, with each state having electors based on its congressional representation.
Article V
Outlines the amendment process, including proposing amendments by Congress or state legislatures and ratification by states or conventions.
Checks and Balances
Mechanisms to prevent the abuse of power, including separation of powers and impeachment to ensure accountability.
Federalism
Division of powers between state and federal governments, with grants like block grants, categorical grants, and revenue sharing influencing governance.
Executive Orders
Directives issued by the President that carry the force of law without requiring congressional approval, often related to areas like the military or bureaucracy.
Executive Power/Privilege
The President's authority to withhold information from the public if deemed necessary for the greater good.
Signing Statements
Guidelines provided by the President when signing a law to indicate how it should be implemented.
Incumbency Advantage
The advantage held by current officeholders due to factors like name recognition, media coverage, and campaign funds.
Open Primaries
Primary elections where voters are not required to declare a party affiliation.
Closed Primaries
Primary elections where voters must be registered with a specific party to participate.
Caucuses
Meetings held by party officials to select delegates for the national conference and nominees, usually at a local level.
Party Conventions
Events where Democrats and Republicans officially nominate their candidates for the presidential election.
Electoral College
System where states' votes determine the President, with each state's electors equal to its representatives and senators.
Federalist #70
Alexander Hamilton's argument for a single executive to facilitate decision-making during crises and enhance accountability.
Judicial Review
The Supreme Court's authority to declare legislative or executive actions unconstitutional.
Civil Liberties
Constitutionally protected freedoms safeguarding citizens' opinions, property, and rights against government interference.
First Amendment Cases
Key cases like Engel vs. Vitale, Wisconsin vs. Yoder, Tinker vs. Des Moines, Schenck vs. US, and New York Times vs. US.
4th Amendment
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants based on probable cause and excluding evidence obtained unlawfully.
5th Amendment
Ensures due process, protection against self-incrimination, and prohibits double jeopardy and deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process.
Grand Jury
A group of citizens who decide whether a person should be indicted on criminal charges based on evidence presented to them.
Double Jeopardy
Protects an individual acquitted of a crime from being charged with the same crime again in the same jurisdiction.
Miranda Rule/ Miranda Rights
The right to remain silent and have an attorney present during questioning for individuals in custody suspected of criminal activity.
Self-incrimination
Individuals cannot be compelled to give testimony that might lead to charges against them, with exceptions like the public safety exception.
6th Amendment
Guarantees the right to counsel, a speedy and public trial, and an impartial jury.
8th Amendment
Prohibits excessive bail and punishment.
Selective incorporation
Process where the Supreme Court applies rights from the Bill of Rights to the states, setting precedents for specific rights.
Civil Rights
Government protection from discrimination based on characteristics like race, national origin, religion, and sex under the Equal Protection Clause.
Individualism
Belief that individuals are responsible for themselves and their decisions, influencing trust in the government.
Equality of Opportunity
Belief that everyone has an equal chance to succeed based on effort, not favoring equality of success.
Fiscal Policy
Government's use of taxes/spending to impact unemployment or the economy.
Monetary Policy
Actions by the FED like open market operations, discount rate, reserve requirement.
Liberal
Supports government involvement in healthcare, education, and religious freedoms.
Conservative
Opposes government healthcare, favors state/local power over federal.
Rational Choice Voting
Voting based on self-interest.
Retrospective Voting
Voting based on candidates' past performance.
Prospective Voting
Voting based on candidates' future promises.
Party Line Voting
Voting based on political party affiliation.
Voter Turnout
Percentage of eligible voters who cast their votes.
Gatekeepers
Media deciding what issues are newsworthy.
Scorekeepers
Media revealing election winners before polls close.
Watchdog
Media monitoring government/business activities.
Swing State
State where party support levels are close, elections swing.
Get out the Vote (GOTV)
Campaign efforts to mobilize supporters.
Realignment
Shift in voter support from one party to another over time.
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