unit 1

Question 1

Civic engagement

Answer 1

individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern

Question 2

limited government

Answer 2

A government that is subject to strict limits on its lawful uses of power, and hence on its ability to deprive people of their liberty

Question 3

constitutionalism

Answer 3

The idea that there are definable limits on the rightful power of a government over its citizens

Question 4

majoritarianism

Answer 4

The idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in policy determination

Question 5

elitism

Answer 5

The notion that wealthy and well-connected individuals exercise power over certain areas of public policy

Question 6

Naturalization

Answer 6

the process of becoming a citizen by means other than birth

Question 7

democracy

Answer 7

A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives.

Question 8

pluralism

Answer 8

A theory of American politics that holds that society’s interests are substantially represented through power exercised by groups

Question 9

representative democracy

Answer 9

Citizens elect representatives who decide policies on behalf of their constituents

Question 10

social contract

Answer 10

A voluntary agreement by individuals to form government, which is then obliged to act within the confines of the agreement.

Question 11

inalienable (natural) rights

Answer 11

Those rights that persons theoretically possessed in the state of nature, prior to the formation of governments. These rights, including those of life, liberty, and property, are considered inherent and, as such, are inalienable. Since government is established by people, government has the responsibility to preserve these rights.

Question 12

checks and balances

Answer 12

The elaborate system of divided spheres of authority provided by the U.S. Constitution as a means of controlling the power of government. The separation of powers among the branches of the national government, federalism, and the different methods of selecting national officers are all part of this system.

Question 13

republic

Answer 13

A form of government in which the people’s representatives decide policy through institutions structured in ways that foster deliberation, slow the progress of decision making, and operate within restraints that protect individual liberty.

Question 14

judicial review

Answer 14

The power of courts to decide whether a governmental institution has acted within its constitutional powers and, if not, to declare its action null and void.

Question 15

delegates

Answer 15

Elected representatives whose obligation is to act in accordance with the expressed wishes of the people they represent

Question 16

self-government

Answer 16

The principle that the people are the ultimate source and should have a voice in their governing. (In practice, self-government has come to mean a government based on majority rule.)

Question 17

supremacy clause

Answer 17

Article VI of the Constitution, which makes national law supreme over state law when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits.

Question 18

separation of powers

Answer 18

The division of the powers of government among separate institutions or branches.

Question 19

tyranny of the majority

Answer 19

The potential of a majority to monopolize power for its own gain to the detriment of minority rights and interests.

Question 20

trustees

Answer 20

Elected representatives whose obligation is to act in accordance with their own consciences as to what policies are in the best interests of the public