Unit 1-Foundations of American Democracy Flashcards
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)?
A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.
It aims to ensure equal opportunity and access for individuals with disabilities.
What are exclusive powers?
Powers that are reserved solely for the federal government.
Examples include the power to declare war and regulate interstate commerce.
What does New Federalism/Devolution refer to?
A political philosophy that seeks to transfer certain powers from the federal government back to the states.
This approach emphasizes state and local control.
Define factions.
Groups of individuals, such as interest groups or political parties, that share a common interest or goal.
Factions can influence politics and governance.
What was the New Jersey Plan?
A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.
It was presented during the Constitutional Convention as an alternative to the Virginia Plan.
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
Opponents of the Constitution who argued against a strong central government.
They favored more power for state governments.
What is federalism?
A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
The United States operates under a federal system.
Define participatory democracy.
A model of democracy that emphasizes broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems.
It encourages active engagement from citizens.
What is a bicameral legislature?
A legislative body with two chambers or houses.
The U.S. Congress is an example, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Who were the Federalists?
Supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong central government.
They believed that a centralized authority was necessary for the nation’s survival.
Define pluralist democracy.
A model of democracy that recognizes and affirms diversity within the political sphere.
In this model, various groups compete for influence.
What is a bill of attainder?
Legislation that declares a person or group guilty of a crime without a trial.
Bills of attainder are prohibited by the Constitution.
What is fiscal federalism?
The financial relationship between different levels of government, particularly regarding taxation and spending.
It involves the allocation of funds and responsibilities among federal, state, and local governments.
Define popular sovereignty.
The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.
This concept underlies the legitimacy of democratic governments.
What are block grants?
Federal funds provided to states or local governments for broad purposes with fewer restrictions.
They allow for more flexibility in how funds are used.
What is a formal amendment?
A change or addition to the Constitution that follows a specific process outlined in the document itself.
This process requires significant consensus.
What does the Privileges and Immunities Clause entail?
A clause in the Constitution that prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states.
It ensures that citizens enjoy the same rights across state lines.
Define categorical grants.
Federal funds provided to states for specific purposes, often with strict regulations on how they can be used.
These grants are often aimed at addressing specific issues like education or healthcare.
What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
A clause that requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.
This ensures legal consistency across state lines.
What is the central government?
The national government that holds authority over a country.
In the U.S., this refers to the federal government.
What are grants?
Funds provided by one level of government to another for specific purposes.
Grants can come from federal to state or local governments.
What does ratification mean?
The formal approval of a proposed law or constitutional amendment.
Ratification often requires a vote by the legislature or the people.
Define checks and balances.
A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.
This is a foundational principle of U.S. governance.
What was the Great (Connecticut) Compromise?
An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
This compromise balanced the interests of both large and small states.
Define representative democracy.
A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
This contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws directly.
What is the Clean Air Act (1970)?
A comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources.
It aims to protect public health and the environment.
What is a compromise in politics?
An agreement reached by opposing parties to settle a dispute or reach a consensus.
Compromises are often necessary in legislative processes.
Define republic.
A form of government in which the country is considered a ‘public matter’ and is not the private concern of the rulers.
In a republic, officials are accountable to the public.
What is the Commerce Clause?
A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with the Indian tribes.
It serves as a foundation for much of federal economic regulation.
What are implied powers?
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the elastic clause.
These powers allow Congress to carry out its functions effectively.
What are reserved powers?
Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states, thus reserved for the states.
Examples include regulating education and local government.
Define concurrent powers.
Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments.
Examples include the power to tax and to build roads.
What are incentives in government policy?
Rewards or benefits offered to encourage specific behaviors or actions.
Incentives can be financial or non-financial.
What is revenue sharing?
A distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments.
It is intended to provide financial support for various programs.
What are conditions-of-aid?
Requirements set by the federal government that states must follow to receive certain funds.
These conditions can influence state policies.
Define indirect democracy.
A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
It contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws directly.
What is the separation of powers?
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
The three branches are legislative, executive, and judicial.
What is cooperative federalism?
A concept that emphasizes collaboration between federal, state, and local governments.
This approach often involves shared responsibilities and funding.
What is an informal amendment?
Changes to the Constitution that occur through the interpretation of the document rather than through formal processes.
This can happen through court decisions or legislative actions.
What was Shay’s Rebellion?
An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by debt-ridden farmers protesting against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments.
It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Define direct democracy.
A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly.
This system is often implemented through referendums and initiatives.
What are inherent powers?
Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for the government to function effectively.
These powers are often assumed by the national government.
What was the Slave Trade Compromise?
An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that allowed the continuation of the slave trade for a limited time before Congress could regulate it.
This compromise addressed contentious issues between northern and southern states.
What is dual federalism?
A system of government in which power is divided between the federal and state governments with clear boundaries.
Often referred to as ‘layer cake’ federalism.
What is judicial review?
The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.
This principle was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Define social contract.
An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules for mutual benefit.
This concept is foundational in political philosophy.
What is the Elastic Clause?
A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated powers.
It allows for flexibility in legislative power.
What does ‘Layer Cake’ federalism refer to?
A metaphor for dual federalism, where the responsibilities of the federal and state governments are distinct and separate.
This contrasts with ‘Marble Cake’ federalism, where responsibilities are intertwined.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
A clause in the Constitution declaring that federal law takes precedence over state law.
This ensures a uniform national legal framework.
What is the Electoral College?
A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.
Each state has a number of electors equal to its total number of senators and representatives.
What does limited government mean?
A political system restricted by laws to protect individual rights and liberties.
It contrasts with absolute government, where authority is unchecked.
What is a supermajority?
A requirement for a proposal to gain a higher level of support than a simple majority.
Commonly used in contexts such as constitutional amendments.
What is elite democracy?
A model of democracy in which a small number of people, typically those with wealth or education, hold power and influence.
This perspective suggests that the general populace has limited influence on decision-making.
What are mandates?
Requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments to comply with federal laws and regulations.
Failure to comply can result in penalties or loss of funding.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that counted three-fifths of the slave population for purposes of representation and taxation.
This compromise was a contentious issue between northern and southern states.
What are enumerated powers?
Powers specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government.
Examples include the power to tax, to declare war, and to regulate commerce.
What does ‘Marble Cake’ federalism mean?
A metaphor for cooperative federalism, where the responsibilities of the federal and state governments are intertwined and blurred.
This approach emphasizes collaboration between different levels of government.
What is a unicameral legislature?
A legislative body with a single chamber or house.
Nebraska is the only U.S. state with a unicameral legislature.
What is an ex post facto law?
A law that makes an action illegal retroactively, thereby punishing individuals for acts that were legal when committed.
Such laws are prohibited by the Constitution.
Define natural rights.
Fundamental rights inherent to all humans, often considered to include life, liberty, and property.
These rights are central to the philosophy of social contract theorists.
What was the Virginia Plan?
A proposal for a bicameral legislative structure based on population, which favored larger states.
It was one of the key proposals during the Constitutional Convention.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the authority to make all laws necessary and proper for executing its powers.
This clause supports the use of implied powers.
