Important Vocab Flashcards
Pluralistic Democracy
a political system where there is more than one center of power
Individualism
a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control
Social Contract
the government’s power comes from the will of the people
Checks and Balances
distributing power among different branches of government. each branch can act as a check on the others
Cooperative Federalism
the federal government provides grants to states in order to influence them in areas beyond enumerated federal power
Separation of Powers
divides the powers of a government into three branches that ensures that no single branch has too much power
Republicanism
elected leaders represent the interests of the people
Rule of Law
a principle that all people and institutions are subject and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced
Constitutionalism
adherence to a system of constitutional government
Limited Government
certain restrictions are placed on the government to protect individual rights and liberties
Federalism
states delegate power to the federal government, share some, and reserve the rest for themselves
Popular Sovereignty
the will of the people
Elite Democracy
a model of democracy in which a small number of people, usually those who are wealthy and well-educated, influence political decision making
Participatory Democracy
a form of government in which citizens participate directly in political decisions and policies that affect their lives, rather than through elected representatives
Federalist No. 10
Made by James Madison
Issue: factions
Key Points: how to control faction
be part of a large republic
have elected representatives
disperse power
Federalist No. 51
Made by James Madison
Problem: with strong central government is the problem of tyranny
Solutions:
Federalism
Separation of Powers
“if men were angels”
Federalist No. 70
Made by Alexander Hamilton
The executive branch is an ingredient for both energy and safety
A single executive is necessary to
ensure accountability
provide unity
ensure energy
Federalist No. 78
Made by Alexander Hamilton
Important: Justices are appointed by the president and have lifetime terms
Key Points:
least dangerous branch
life tenure - life terms
judicial review
What can the Legislative Branch do?
make laws using necessary and proper
amends to constitution
appropriates funds
conducts oversight with hearings and subpoenas
can conduct investigations
What can the House of Representatives do?
break ties in pres. election
tax bills start here
impeaches
What can the senate do?
approve appointments
ratifies treaties
removes after impeachment
What are the 4 linkage institutions?
special interest groups
political parties
elections
media
What interest group recruits candidates?
political parties
What interest group rallies support?
specials interest groups
political parties
What interest group elects officials?
elections
What interest group spends money and supports candidates
special interest groups
political parties
What interest group spends money to influence public perception?
media
special interest groups
political parties
What interest group sue?
special interest groups
What interest group lobby
special interest groups
What is article 3?
Judicial Branch
interprets laws
review decisions
establishes presidents with broad ruling or narrow ruling
What can the president do?
Establish Policy
veto
appoint
bully pulpit
pardon
Enforce Laws
bully pulpit
executive order
What can the Bureaucracy do?
Establish Policy
create or revise regulations
conduct research
Enforces Laws
compliance monitoring and investigation
levy fines, order recalls, and issue cease and desist orders
refer for prosecution
What are titles the President has?
head of state
chief exec
chief legislature
chief diplomat
commander in chief
