Review of Democratic Ideals and Government Structure

Flashcards covering vocabulary and key concepts related to democratic ideals and government structure.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that political power resides with the people.

Social Contract

The agreement where people obey government laws in exchange for the government's protection of their natural rights.

Natural Rights

Basic rights that cannot be taken away, including life, liberty, and property.

Republicanism

Ideology of governing a nation as a republic, where the head of state is appointed through non-hereditary means.

Limited Government

A government whose powers are clearly defined and limited by the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Checks and Balances

System that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with powers to limit the others.

Federalism

The constitutional system dividing power between national and state governments.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws and actions of the government unconstitutional.

The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual freedoms and rights.

Selectively Incorporation

The legal doctrine that ensures states cannot make laws that infringe on the rights of citizens as outlined in the Bill of Rights.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental or other interference.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Veto Power

The president's authority to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution, used to elect the president and vice president.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy where citizens directly participate in decision-making.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy emphasizing broad participation of constituents in the political process.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy where multiple groups compete for power and influence.

Elite Democracy

A system of democracy that limits participation to a small number of influential people.

Affirmative Action

Policies that take into account an individual's race and gender to promote equal opportunity.

Due Process

Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.

Eminent Domain

The right of a government to take private property for public use, with compensation.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Clear and Present Danger Test

Standard used to determine the limits of free speech in the U.S.

Freedom of Religion

The right of individuals to practice their religion as they see fit, without government interference.

Freedom of Speech

The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.

Gender Equality

The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender.

Racial Discrimination

Unfair treatment of individuals based solely on their race.