GOPO UNIT 1 DEFINITIONS - STUDY GUIDE

Popular sovereignty

a political doctrine that say government should be created by and subject to the will of the people

What is Republicanism?

A theory of government that emphasizes the participation of citizens.

What does Republicanism emphasize?

The common good of the community.

Limited Government

a political philosophy advocating that governmental power is restricted by law, primarily through constitutions

What was the Grand Committee?

A group that helped frame the constitution during the constitutional convention.

Which colonies were represented in the Grand Committee?

Representatives from each of the former colonies, except Rhode Island.

What is participatory democracy?

A system where citizens have the power to make policy decisions.

What does participatory democracy emphasize?

The broad participation of people in politics.

In participatory democracy, how do citizens influence policy decisions?

Citizens influence policy decisions, but do not make them.

What is a characteristic of Pluralist Democracy?

No single group dominates politics.

In a Pluralist Democracy, how do organized groups interact?

Organized groups compete with each other to influence policy.

How do individuals participate in a Pluralist Democracy?

Individuals work through groups formed around common causes.

What is Elite Democracy?

A political system where a smaller number of people influence decision making.

Who typically influences political decision making in Elite Democracy?

Wealthy or well-educated individuals.

What does Elite Democracy argue about political participation?

It should be limited to a small group of highly-informed individuals.

What is the rationale behind Elite Democracy?

Highly-informed individuals can make the best decisions for all citizens.

Federalists

advocates of the distribution of power in an organization (government).

Faction

a group of people who are like-minded and have something to connect them.

What is Brutus I?

An Anti-federalist essay.

What does Brutus I argue against?

Ratifying the Constitution.

What is a key concern of Brutus I regarding the national government?

It would become too large.

What did the Virginia Plan propose?

A strong central government composed of three branches.

What are the three branches of government proposed by the Virginia Plan?

Legislative, executive, and judicial.

What type of legislative structure did the Virginia Plan propose?

A bicameral legislative.

What was the effect of the Virginia Plan on state power?

The states lost power and the government gained it.

What was the purpose of the New Jersey Plan?

To protect the security and power of small states.

How many votes did each state have under the New Jersey Plan?

One vote.

Which governing document did the New Jersey Plan aim to maintain a similar voting structure to?

The Articles of Confederation.

What is another name for the Great Compromise?

The Connecticut Compromise

Who proposed the Great Compromise?

Roger Sherman

What type of legislature did the Great Compromise create?

A bicameral legislature

How is the House of Representatives structured according to the Great Compromise?

Based on population

How is the Senate structured according to the Great Compromise?

With 2 equal seats per state

Slavery - 3/5ths Compromise

agreement where every 5 enslaved individuals were counted as three people towards a state's total population.

What did the Compromise on the Importation of Slaves allow?

It allowed the slave trade to continue until 1808.

Why was the Compromise on the Importation of Slaves created?

To secure ratification of the Constitution.

What is the Electoral College?

The group of presidential electors that is formed every four years.

What is the purpose of the Electoral College?

To vote for the president and vice president in the presidential election.

Who proposes an amendment to the Constitution?

The Congress

In what form does Congress propose an amendment?

In the form of a joint resolution

Does the President have a constitutional role in the amendment process?

No, the President does not have a constitutional role

Does a joint resolution for an amendment go to the White House for signature?

No, it does not go to the White House for signature or approval

Who wrote the Bill of Rights?

James Madison

What does the Bill of Rights consist of?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution

What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect natural rights

What is the Bill of Rights considered in relation to the Founding documents?

The last Founding documents

What is Federalist No. 51?

A paper that explains the importance of checks and balances in the Constitution.

Who wrote Federalist No. 51?

James Madison

What concept does Federalist No. 51 advocate for?

Limited government through checks and balances.

What is the principle of Checks and Balances in government?

It is a principle where separate branches can prevent actions by other branches.

What is the purpose of Checks and Balances?

To induce separate branches of government to share power.