exam 1

Public Goods- provided by the government and funded through taxes

Democracy- a way of governing that depends on the will of the people

Oligarchy- a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution.

Social Capital- the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.

U.S. Constitution- the worlds longest surviving written charter of government, “we the people” affirms government is for the poeple

Natural Rights- basic rights, as outlined in the constitution, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

American Revolution- 13 colonies revolted against England, began in opposition of taxation without representation

when did the American revolution begin?- April 19, 1775

The Declaration of Independence- in 1776, “break-up” letter to england

Articles of Confederation- first written government that established functions of national government

Problems with the Articles of Confederation- had no money to tax because it was involentary, 9 out of 13 states had to agree to vote, no executive official, no judicial branch

Virginia Plan- outlined a strong national government, and 3 branches, executive, legislative, and judicial

New Jersey Plan- a unicameral (one-house) legislature with equal votes of states and an executive elected by a national legislature

The Great Compromise- established U.S bicameral, 2 house legislator, house and senate

Federal supremacy- federal laws supercede any laws that are conflicting state laws

State Sovereignty- states legal authority and responsibility, of state to govern itself and regulate affairs without foreign interference

Separation of Powers- division of government responsibilities into different branches so one branch doesn’t become too powerful

Checks and Balances- principle of government under which separate branches are empowered to prevent actions by other branches and are induced to share power.

Legeslative branch- makes laws

judicial branch- laws

executive branch- president

Impeachment- remedial not penial, removes individuals unfit for office

removal- liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment and

Judicial Review- ability of judicial branch to rule a legislative or executive act to be unconstitutional;

Supremacy Clause- priority over any conflicting state laws

Federalist- a person who advocates for a government with several states under one authority, james madison

Anti-Federalists- favored strong state governments, weak central governments,

The amendment process- can be proposed by 2/3 vote by houses of congress, or states request one, is passed by ¾ vote

Ratifying Amendments- long process, same as amendment process