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Democracy

Power is held by the people

Natural rights

The right to life, liberty, and property, which government cannot take away

Social contract

People allow their governments to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society

Popular sovereignty

The government's right to rule comes from the people

Republicanism

The authority of the government comes from the people

Participatory Democratic Theory

Widespread political participation is essential for democratic government

Pluralist Theory

Emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process

Elitist Theory

Elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process

Separation of powers

Distributes powers across institutions to avoid making one branch too powerful

Checks and balances

Each branch has powers that can prevent the other branches from making policy

Federalism

Sharing of power between the national government and the states

Amendment

Process by which changes may be made to the Constitution

Federalists

Supporters of the proposed Constitution, calling for a strong national government

Antifederalists

Opposed to the proposed Constitution, calling for stronger state governments

Commerce clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate commerce

Necessary and proper clause

Grants Congress the authority to legislate as it sees fit

Supremacy clause

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land

Devolution

Returning more authority to state and/or local governments

Filibuster

Unlimited debate in the Senate that can delay a vote on a bill

Cloture

60 Senate votes needed to end a filibuster

Pork barrel legislation

Use of federal funding to finance localized projects typically bringing money to a representative’s district.

Logrolling

When two legislators agree to trade votes for each other's benefit.

Trustee

Member of Congress who takes into account views of constituents but uses their own judgment.

Delegate

Acts as a direct representative always following constituent’s voting preferences.

Politico

A member who acts as a delegate on issues constituents care about and trustee other times.

Redistricting

Process of deciding representation based on population and updating every 10 years.

Gerrymandering

Redistricting done to unfairly favor a group of people.

Baker v

Case establishing the principle of "one man one vote."

Shaw v

Case prohibiting gerrymandering based on race alone.

Article II

Outlines the formal powers and requirements of the President.

Executive agreements

Agreements with heads of states that do not require ratification.

Judicial review

Power of the courts to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality.

Civil Liberties

Constitutionally established freedoms found in the Bill of Rights.

Civil Rights

Rights of individuals against discrimination based on various factors.

Establishment Clause

Prevents the federal government from supporting an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Prevents the federal government from intervening in religious beliefs and practices.

Due Process Clause

Limits the government from denying "life, liberty, or property" without proper legal procedure.

Selective Incorporation

Applying provisions of the Bill of Rights to the States.

Due Process and Rights of the Accused

Ensures fair treatment and legal rights for individuals in the justice system.

Affirmative Action

Policy created to address discrimination and promote diversity in hiring practices.

Libertarian

Disfavor any government intervention

Voting Rights Evolution

Series of amendments granting voting rights regardless of race, gender, and age

Rational Choice

Voting based on perceived best interest, like a college student voting for free tuition

Voter Turnout Predictors

Structural barriers, political efficacy, and demographics influence voter participation

Interest Groups

Use collective action for voting, fundraising, and education to influence policy-makers

Iron Triangles

Mutually beneficial relationships between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies

Campaign Finance

Debate over money's role in politics, including regulations like BCRA of 2002 and Citizens United v. FEC

PACs

Organizations raising money to support or defeat candidates, with limits on donations

Citizens United v

Supreme Court ruling protecting political spending by corporations as free speech

Media Role

Watchdog and gatekeeper influencing public opinion and political agenda