Unit 1

1. Social contract
   1. A social contract is a theoretical agreement between individuals to form a society or government, where people consent to give up certain freedoms and abide by rules in exchange for protection and benefits provided by the government.
2. Popular sovereignty
   1. Popular sovereignty is the principle that political power resides with the people, who have the ultimate authority to govern themselves and make decisions through their elected representatives.
3. Natural law
   1. Natural law is a theory that certain ethical principles or rights are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason, independent of human-made laws or government authority.
4. Republicanism
   1. Republicanism is a political ideology based on the belief in representative government, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, rather than direct participation in governance.
5. Grand committee
   1. A grand committee is a special committee formed by a legislative body, typically composed of members from both chambers, to resolve differences between conflicting versions of legislation.
6. Factions
   1. Factions are groups or parties within a larger organization or society that have distinct interests or goals and often compete for influence or power.
7. Connecticut compromise
   1. The Connecticut compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that established a bicameral legislature, with representation based on population in the House of Representatives and equal representation for each state in the Senate.
8. Political liberty
   1. Political liberty refers to the freedom of individuals to participate in political activities, express their opinions, and influence government decisions without interference or oppression.
9. Virginia plan
   1. The Virginia plan was a proposal presented at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that called for a strong central government with a bicameral legislature, representation based on population, and greater power granted to the national government.
10. New Jersey plan
    1. The New Jersey plan was a counterproposal to the Virginia plan at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, advocating for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of population size.
11. USA PATRIOT Act
    1. The USA PATRIOT Act is a U.S. federal law passed in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which expanded the government's surveillance and investigative powers to combat terrorism and enhance national security.
12. Self-government
    1. Self-government is the principle that individuals or communities have the right and ability to govern themselves, make decisions, and manage their affairs without external interference.
13. Pocket veto
    1. A pocket veto occurs when the President refrains from signing a bill into law within ten days of receiving it from Congress, while Congress is adjourned, effectively preventing the bill from becoming law without the possibility of a veto override.
14. Stakeholders
    1. Stakeholders are individuals, groups, or entities who have an interest or concern in a particular issue, decision, or organization, and may be affected by or able to influence the outcome.
15. Habeas corpus
    1. Habeas corpus is a legal principle that protects individuals from unlawful detention by requiring authorities to bring them before a court or judge to determine the legality of their imprisonment.
16. Cooperative federalism ("Marble cake" federalism)
    1. Cooperative federalism is a model of federalism where the national government and state governments work together collaboratively to address policy issues and deliver services, often resulting in intergovernmental partnerships and shared responsibilities.
17. Fiscal federalism
    1. Fiscal federalism refers to the division of financial responsibilities and resources between the national government and state governments, including taxation, spending, and revenue-sharing arrangements.
18. Devolution
    1. Devolution is the transfer of power or authority from a central government to regional or local governments, granting them greater autonomy and responsibility for governance and decision-making.
19. Revenue sharing
    1. Revenue sharing is a fiscal policy in which the national government distributes a portion of tax revenues to state or local governments to fund their programs and services, without specific restrictions on how the money is spent.
20. Mandates
    1. Mandates are requirements or directives issued by the national government to state or local governments, often accompanied by funding or penalties, to implement specific policies or programs.
21. Selective exclusiveness
    1. Selective exclusiveness is a doctrine that allows Congress to regulate interstate commerce exclusively in areas where the national interest is paramount and state regulation would interfere with the national economy.
22. Dual federalism ("Layer cake" federalism)
    1. Dual federalism is a model of federalism where the powers and responsibilities of the national government and state governments are clearly delineated and operate independently, resembling distinct layers of authority.
23. State sovereignty
    1. State sovereignty refers to the independent authority and autonomy possessed by individual states within a federal system, allowing them to govern themselves and make decisions within their own jurisdictions.