Chapter 1 And 2 SG Flashcards
Majority Rule
Democratic method where the selection with the most amount of votes wins
Natural Rights
We are all born with certain rights, including life, liberty, and property that the government has to protect
Separation of Powers
Three branches of government all have own responsibilities
New Jersey Plan
Smaller states felt inferior; demand equal representation in the House
The Colonial Mind
Declare independence from Britain’s rule, inspired by Enlightenment thinkers to form a democracy and separate from tyranny
Articles of Confederation
Weak form of government that established a “loose league of friendship” between the 13 states
The Federalist Papers
Written to persuade the country to ratify the Constitution and to explain the theories of democracy
Elastic Clause
Congress has the power to pass laws- although not explicitly stated- that are deemed necessary and proper
Three-Fifths Compromise
Solve issue of representation in the House; every five blacks count as three
Enumerated Powers
Strictly listed powers that Congress has the power to enforce
Aka delegated or expressed powers
Factions
Small, organized group within a larger, more prominent one
Checks and Balances
Ensure that not one branch of government has more power than the other branch
Implied Powers
Under the elastic clause, Congress has the power to enforce these laws deemed necessary and proper
Federalist Paper #51
This paper enforces the checks and balances system
Formal Amendment
Two step process based on majority rule voting
Political Gridlock
Difficulty passing laws due to unequal amount of voters for or against something, or unable to make an agreement on anything
Republic/Indirect Democracy
Political system where the wealthier and more educated individuals are elected by ballot to represent the people
Popular Soverignty
System based on natural rights, stating that people have the right to govern themselves
Antifederalists
Small farmers who opposed ratification of the Constitution; promote democracy and individuality
Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
Mix of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plan; Senate equal, House population
John Locke
Philosopher who emphasized natural rights and a decentralized government; social contract theory
Virginia Plan
Urged representation based on population; power from people, NOT the states
Marbury v. Madison
Cement judicial review
Federalists
Favored a strong central government, support ratification; wealthy landowners and merchants
Shay’s Rebellion
Angry farmers revolted against Congress and proved weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation
Bill of Rights
First ten amendments of the Constitution; add protections against national government to ensure that it didn’t have too much power
Supermajority
At least 50% majority vote to pass
Informal Amendment
Proposed in response to the cultural and social changes of the time
Judicial Review
Judicial branch may check the actions of the other branches ONLY through court cases
Federal System/Federalism
Power is divided between the government and the states; power derived from citizens
Federalist Paper #10
Paper focused on eradication domestic factionalism and encourages a republican government
Social Contract Theory
Government based on consent of the governed; individuals give up certain rights to be more free
