UNIT 1 Flashcards
Limited government
A government’s power cannot be absolute, TO AVOID MONARCHY
natural rights
All people have certain rights that cannot be taken away
Popular sovereigny
all government power comes from the consent of its people
Republicanism
The principle that the will of the people is reflected in government debates and decisions by their representatives. Senate is designed to represent states equally
Social Contract
An agreement among the people to give up SOME freedoms to maintain SOCIAL ORDER
Participatory Democracy
Everyone participates in politics and civil society
Pluralist Democracy
Group-based activism to make impact on political decision making (NON GOVERNMENTAL)
Elite Dem.
Limited participation in politics (higher-ups, elites)
Sep. of powers
allow legal actions to be taken against officials who abuse their power (three branches)
Checks and balances
allocates power between federal and state governments, balance
Federalism
Power SHARED between national and state governments
Exclusive powers
Only one level of government is allowed to have exclusive powers, and implied and inferred powers that are not written in the Constitution CONNECTS WITH NECESSARY AND PROPER CLAUSE
Concurrent powers
Powers shared between both levels of government (state and federal) – like the power to collect taxes or make laws or build roads
Mandates
Requirements by the national government to the states
Revenue sharing
national funding with almost no restrictions to the states (least used form of funding)
Categorical Grant
national funding restricted to specific categories of spending (most common)
Block Grant
National Funding with MINIMAL restrictions to the states (always preferred by the states)
Enumerated Power
Powers granted to Congress– they have enumerated powers to approve or veto bills
Implied power
Powers that are not explicitly written in the constitution
Necessary and proper clause/ elastic
gives congress the power to make laws related to carrying out enumerated powers, Supreme court has power to determine the extent
Commerce Clause
Gives the government power to regulate interstate commerce, and SC can determine extent of the power (US V LOPEZ: GUNS)
Amendment Process
Two-thirds vote in BOTH houses… OR a proposal from two-thirds of state legislatures, and finally approval three-fourths of states
Great Compromise
Created the House and the senate as a bilateral government in the legislative branch
Supremacy Clause
gives the national government general precedence and authority over states, Supreme court can determine what specific actions exceed this power
