Test 1 Flashcards
Authority
The recognized right of officials to exercise power.
Pluralism
On most issues, the preference of the special interest largely determines what government does.
Majoritarianism
When political leaders respond to the policy desires of the majority.
Democracy
A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives. This is different from an oligarchy, in which control rests through a small group or an autocracy in which an individual such as king or dictator.
Power
The ability of persons, groups or institutions to influence political developments.
Political Thinking
Reflective thinking focused on deciding what can reasonably be believed and then using this information to make political judgements. It enables citizens to act responsibly when doing such things as casting a vote or contributing to a political cause.
Individualism
A commitment to personal initiative and self-sufficiency.
Constitution
The fundamental law that defines how government will legitimately operate
Virginia Plan
Also called the large state plan, this plan included separate judicial and executive branches as well as a two-chamber Congress that would have supreme authority in all areas “in which the separate states are incompetent” particularly defense and interstate trade. Small states would have only one representative, while large states such as Massachusetts would have more than a dozen.
The New Jersey Plan
This plan called for a stronger national government than was provided by the Articles of Confederation. It would have the power to tax and to regulate commerce among the states. In most other respects, however, the Articles would remain in effect. Congress would have a single chamber in which east state, large or small, would have a single vote.
Great compromise
Provided for a bicameral (two chamber) Congress. One chamber, the House of Representative, would be apportioned based on population. States with larger populations would have more House members than states with smaller populations, although each state would have at least one representative. The other chamber, the Senate, would be apportioned on the basis of an equal number of senators (two) for each state. This compromise was critical. As stipulated in Article V of the constitution, “No state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.”
Three-Fifths Compromise
For purpose of apportionment if taxes and seats in the US House of Representatives, each slave was to count as less than a full person. Northern delegates argued against this on the grounds that slaves did not have full rights. Southern delegates wanted them counted as full persons for the purposes of House seats.
Anti-Federalists
Labeled opponents of the Constitution. They argued that national government would be too powerful and threaten self-government in the separate states and the liberty of the people. The presidency did not exist in the articles of the confederation and they feared an American monarchy.
Federalists
Supporters of the constitution. Strongest proponents were James Madison and Alexander Hamilton who wrote the Federalist papers along with John Jay. They argued that a government of the constitution would correct the defects of the articles and have the power necessary to forge a secure and prosperous union.
Separation of powers
Limiting government by dividing its powers among separate branches.
