Final Exam

Limited Government

Government power is restricted by law.

Natural Rights

Rights that people have under natural law, including life, liberty, and property.

Popular Sovereignty

The authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring the freedom and independence of the United States.

Constitution of the United States

Supreme law of the United States.

Participatory Democracy

System emphasizing broad participation in politics and civil society.

Pluralist Democracy

System where multiple groups hold power and no single group dominates.

Elite Democracy

System in which a small minority, consisting of members of the economic elite, hold power.

Federalist No

Essay by James Madison advocating for the separation of powers within the government.

Federalist No

Essay by James Madison discussing the dangers of factions and advocating for a large republic.

Brutus No

Anti-Federalist paper arguing against the Constitution's ratification.

Faction

A group of individuals, such as a political party, which is united by a common interest.

Federalism

Division of power between the national government and the states.

Checks and Balances

System that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.

Separation of Powers

Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent one branch from gaining too much power.

Articles of Confederation

First constitution of the United States.

Shay’s Rebellion

Uprising in Massachusetts against economic injustices and lack of government response.

Great Compromise

Agreement that defined the legislative structure and representation that each state would have under the United States Constitution.

Electoral College

Body of electors chosen to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement counting three-fifths of the slave population for representation and taxation purposes.

Slave Trade Clause in Constitution

Provision allowing the slave trade to continue until 1808.

Amendment Process

Process outlined in the Constitution for proposing and ratifying amendments.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by the federal and state governments.

Federal Revenue Sharing

Distribution of tax revenue among different levels of government.

Mandates

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants with specific purposes and guidelines.

Block Grants

Federal grants given to states for broader purposes with fewer restrictions.

Tenth Amendment

Amendment stating that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.

Fourteenth Amendment

Amendment granting citizenship rights and equal protection under the law.

Commerce Clause

Constitutional provision giving Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Clause allowing Congress to make laws necessary for executing its powers.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary for Congress to carry out its duties.

Policymaking

Process by which government decisions are made and implemented.

McCulloch v

Supreme Court case establishing the principle of national supremacy and upholding the constitutionality of the Bank of the United States.

Issue Network

Alliance of various interest groups and individuals united to promote a common cause.

Bureaucratic Discretion

Authority granted to government agencies to interpret and implement laws.

Oversight and Policy Implementation

Congressional duty to supervise the executive branch and ensure law execution.

The Marshall Court

Supreme Court led by Chief Justice John Marshall, known for expanding federal power.

Marbury v

Landmark Supreme Court case establishing judicial review.

McCulloch v

Supreme Court case confirming federal law supremacy over state law.

Establishment Clause Cases

Court cases addressing the separation of church and state.

Free Exercise Cases

Court cases addressing the right to practice religion freely.

Free Speech Cases

Court cases addressing the limits of free speech.

Due Process Clause Cases

Court cases addressing fair treatment under the law.

Equal Protection Cases

Court cases addressing equal treatment under the law.

Privacy Cases

Court cases addressing the right to privacy.

Free Press Cases

Court cases addressing freedom of the press.

Apportionment Cases

Court cases addressing the distribution of legislative seats.