Chapter 6 Flashcards
Government
the system to govern a state or community
Public Policy
Actions/laws a government takes when responding to a public problem
Democracy
rule by the people
Direct Democracy
citizens meet and make decisions about public policy issues
Representative Democracy
citizens choose officials (representatives) who make decisions about public policy
Traditional Democratic Theory
Government depends on the consent of the governed, which may be given directly or through representatives
Pluralist Theory
Interest groups compete in the political arena, with each promoting its policy preferences through organized efforts
Elite Theory
A small number of powerful elite (corporate leaders, top military officers…) form an upper class, which rules in its own self-interest
Bureaucratic Theory
The hierarchical structure and standardized procedures of modern governments allow bureaucrats, who carry out the day-to-day workings of government, to hold the real power over public power
Hyperpluralism
When multiple interest groups become so strong that government is unable to function
Social Contract
Agreement between members of a community/organization that spells out the obligations, functions, and rights of each person agreeing to the contract
Natural Rights
Basic rights that every citizen is entitled to (includes the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)
Declaration of Independence
An official act taken by all 13 American colonies in declaring independence from British rule
Articles of Confederation
The first national constitution that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain
Federal System
A system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government
Connecticut (Great) Compromise
A compromise which settled the disputes between the states over the structure of the legislative branch (Bicameral legislative - 2 houses)
Virginia Plan
Represented the states with large populations - representation based on population
Three-Fifths Compromise
Three out of every five slaves were counted when determining a state’s total population for legislative representation and taxation
Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise
Compromise which resolved other differences between southern and northern states and prohibited Congress from banning slave trade (20 Years)
Ratification
Formal approval process by which a proposed law or constitutional amendment is officially accepted
Federalists
Supporters of the proposed U.S. Constitution, strong national government, and a system of checks and balances
Federalist Papers
A collection of essays, written in favor of the new Constitution
Anti-Federalists
People who opposed the ratification of the new Constitution and a strong central government
Bill of Rights
First 10 Amendments to the Constitution which guaranteed essential rights
Consitution
Outlines the structure of a government
Limited Government
Belief that government is not all-powerful; government has only those powers given to it
Popular Sovereignty
The idea that the power of a government comes from the consent of its people and is expressed through the election of representative
Separation of Powers
Power is separated among three equal branches of government; each has its own powers and duties
Checks and Balances
Each branch is subject to restraints by the other two branches
Federalism
A division of governmental powers between the national and the states
Amendments
Formal changes or additions to the Constitution
Judicial Review
The Supreme Court’s power to overturn laws on the basis of their constitutionality
Marbury v. Madison
U.S. Supreme Court decision that established federal courts had the power to overturn an act of Congress on the ground that it violated the U.S. Constitution
