Unit 1 Flashcards
republic (representative democracy)
people elect representatives to vote on legislation. chosen because it would be insulated from momentary passions of the public, protect against a tyrannical majority, and protect the voice of the minority
legislative checks over executive
- veto override
- Senate blockage of appointments
- impeach POTUS
- refuse funding of programs (HOR)
- conduct investigations of government activities
executive checks over legislative
- veto
- executive orders
- VPOTUS casts tiebreaking vote in Senate decisions
executive checks over judicial
- nominations of federal/SCOTUS judges
- pardons
- refuse to execute decisions
judicial check over legislative
- declare a law unconstitutional
judicial check over executive
- declare an executive order unconstitutional
- issue warrants
- Chief SCOTUS justice presides over impeachment trial
legislative checks over judicial
- power to change court system
- impeach justices/federal judges
- propose amendments
- block appointments
Federalists
property owners that supported the ratification of the Constitution as well as a strong national government. Led by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison
Federalist Papers
A series of essays written by Hamilton, Jay, and Madison advocating for the ratification of the Constitution
Anti-federalists
Small farmers and merchants that wanted a small government that was closer to the people and feared power that was in the hands of the elite. Opposed the ratification of the Constitution, led by Patrick Henry, George Mason
Federalist Paper #10
Noted the tendency of populations to sort themselves into factions, and the tyranny that large factions exert. Stressed the need for a strong government that considered the opinions of such factions, but kept them under control.
Federalist Paper #51
Advocated for a government with separate powers as well as checks and balances, which the Constitution provided
Dual federalism
“Layer cake” National and state governments had separate powers that did not overlap; national gov’t dealt with foreign affairs, defense, and interstate trade, while state dealt with intrastate trade, and matters that directly affected citizens.
Cooperative federalism
“Marble cake” National and state governments worked together to create and administer programs that aimed to assist people, resulting in a sharing of power and an extension of national power (started in 1930s w/ Great Depression)
