POLS 1-4

Democracy

A form of government where supreme power is retained by the people, exercised indirectly through a system of representation.

Social Contract Theory

The relationship between human nature and its reflection in governments, allowing for adaptation to the people's needs.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who believed people are inherently immoral and supported an absolute governing body for stability.

Natural Rights

John Locke's concept that individuals possess inherent rights such as autonomy and personal freedoms.

Representative Democracy

A system where power rests with the people who elect representatives to lead on their behalf.

J.J. Rousseau

Philosopher who believed humans are benevolent but can be corrupted by society, advocating for democracy through majority consensus.

Hellenistic Philosophy

The influence of ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle on modern democracy, especially the idea of separation of powers.

Plato

Known for his work 'The Republic,' which critiqued democracy and proposed a mixed government.

Mixed Government

Plato's idea of balancing oligarchy, tyranny, and democracy to avoid political instability.

Aristotle

Philosopher credited as the father of modern democracy, expanded on the concept of separation of powers.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent the concentration of power.

Elitism

A political system where power is held by a small, privileged group.

Pluralism

A political system characterized by diverse and competing groups that share power.

Monarchy

A government ruled by a king or queen, typically hereditary.

Absolute Monarchy

A monarchy where the ruler has absolute power without formal limitations.

Marxism

A philosophy critiquing capitalism and advocating for socialism and communism.

Socialism

A political system where the government controls the means of production to promote equality.

Communism

An extreme form of socialism seeking a classless, stateless society.

Authoritarianism

A political system in which power is concentrated in a single leader or small group, often at the expense of individual freedoms.

Totalitarianism

An extreme form of authoritarianism that seeks to control all aspects of life.

Dictatorship

A form of government where a single ruler has absolute power.

Theocracy

A government controlled by religious leaders or organizations.

Anarchy

The absence of government, leading to disorder.

Public Accountability

The principle that government officials are responsible to the public and must justify their actions.

Electoral College

The body that formally elects the President of the United States.

Impeachment

The process of formally charging a government official with misconduct.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the government by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but necessary for the government to function.

Constitutional Republic

A form of government in which representatives are elected to govern according to existing constitutional law.

Necessary and Proper Clause

The clause that allows Congress to make laws required to carry out its enumerated powers.

General Welfare Clause

Grants Congress the power to tax and spend for the general welfare of the nation.

Constitutional Convention

Meeting where the Constitution was drafted, addressing weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

Horizontal Federalism

The distribution of power between state and local governments.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to honor the public acts and judicial proceedings of other states.

Interstate Rendition Clause

Mandates states to return fugitives to their state of origin.

Dual Federalism

A system where federal and state governments have distinct powers.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where federal and state governments work together on policy implementation.

Categorical Grants

Funds provided by Congress to state governments for specific purposes.

Block Grants

Funds distributed to states for broad purposes with fewer restrictions.

New Federalism

A political philosophy aimed at giving more power to the states.

Dillon's Rule

Legal doctrine stating that local governments can only exercise powers granted by the state.

Chief Executives in State Governments

Governors who oversee state agencies, manage budgets, and serve as party representatives.

State Legislatures

The main law-making bodies in state governments, often bicameral.

State Constitutions

Documents that outline the structure and function of state governments.

Local Governments

Governments that operate below the state level, typically with limited authority.

Counties

Subdivisions of states that provide local government services.

Cities

Municipalities incorporated by state legislatures with defined powers.

Political Equality

The principle that all individuals should have equal say in political matters.

Civic Responsibilities

Duties of citizens to engage in their community and government.

Transparency in Government

The principle that the government operates openly and is accountable to citizens.

Political Representation

The activity of making citizens' voices, opinions, and perspectives represent their interests.

Public Infrastructure

The basic physical systems of a community, including transportation, communication, sewage, and water.