POLS 101 Module 1 Study Guide Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, concepts, core values, and historical compromises from POLS 101 Module 1.

Critical Thinking

Being able to determine what can be reasonably believed and then using the information to reach a thoughtful conclusion.

Political Science

Studying the parts of government and politics.

Political Culture

Defines the relations between citizens and government.

Liberty

Belief that individuals should be free to act as they choose, provided they do not infringe on the rights of others.

Individualism

Commitment to personal initiative and self-sufficiency.

Equality

The notion that all individuals are equal in their moral worth and are entitled to equal treatment under the law.

Self-Government

The idea that the people are the ultimate source of governing authority and should have a voice in governing.

Marbury v. Madison

Supreme Court case that established judicial review and showed the importance of limiting the government.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to decide if a law is constitutional.

Direct Elections

When people directly vote for their representatives.

Separation of Powers

Government power is divided between three branches: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.

Constitutionalism

The principle that government must follow the constitution.

Democracy

Government where the people have the power, usually through voting.

Obstacles to Critical Thinking

Biased Sources, Political Rhetoric (misleading statements that obscure truth), and Cognitive Bias (thinking patterns causing false beliefs).

Limits on American Ideals

Historical restrictions such as racial immigration restrictions and limited voting rights.

Limited Government

A system where government power is limited by law and the constitution.

John Locke's Inalienable Rights

Life, liberty, and property, which influenced the Declaration of Independence's ideas about natural rights.

Colonial Reaction to Townshend Act

Colonists protested, boycotted British goods, and resisted the taxes.

Articles of Confederation Weaknesses

The national government was too weak and could not tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws well.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation by showing it was too weak to handle major problems and unrest.

Great Compromise

Outcome during the Constitutional Convention that divided Congress into the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement that counted 3 out of every 5 enslaved persons for representation and taxation.

Anti-Federalists

Group during the ratification debate who feared a strong national government and wanted a bill of rights.

Bill of Rights

Protects individual rights and freedoms and prevents the government from taking away certain rights.