Unit 2 Vocab (Bolded Words) Flashcards
Democracy
System of government that gives power to the people, whether directly or through elected representatives
Example of Democracy
Presidential elections allow the people to elect who they want to serve as president.
Republic
Government rooted in the consent of the governed; a representative or indirect democracy.
Example of Republic
The people can elect other people, such as senators, to represent themselves
Political Culture
Commonly shareed attitudes, behaviors, and core values about how government should operate.
Example of Political Culture
The US Constitution and Bill of Rights in regards to Liberty
Declaration of Independence
Documented drafted in 1776 that proclaimed the right to separate from Great Britain
Social Contract Theory
The belief that governments exist ased on the consent of the governed
Example of Social Contract Theory
Individuals agree to be governed by a set of rules and entrust the government with the responsibility to protect their rights.
Articles of Confederation
The compact between the 13 original colonies with the national government drawing its powers from the state
Importance of the Articles of Confederation
Helped coordinate the Revolutionary War and in handling diplomacy
Constitution
A document establishing the structure, functions, and limitations of the government
Importance of Constitution
Provides framework for political and legal order.
Great Compromise
The final decision of the Constitutional Convention, to create a 2house legislature with the lower house elected by the people and powers divided between the 2 houses.
Three Fifths Compromise
An agreement stating that slaves would represent 3/5 of the total population of each state.
Importance of Three Fifths Compromise
Used to determine the population for representation in the US House of Representatives
Electoral College
System established by the US Constitution through which the presidnet is chosen by electors from each state
Importance of Electoral College
Ensured that both state and federal interests are considered in the election process
Separation of Powers
A way of dividing powers of government among the 3 branches.
Importance of Separation of Powers
Separation of powers prevents the concentration of power in 1 branch, reducing risk of tyranny
Enumerated Powers
Specific powers granted to the federal government by the United States Constitution
Importance of Enumerated Powers
Provide clarity about what the federal government is allowed to do. It sets clear limits on the authority of the government and prevents it from overstepping their boundaries
Necessary and Proper Clause
Gives Congress the authority to pass all laws “necessary and proper” to carry out the enumerated powers specified in the US Constitution
Importance of Necessary and Proper Clause
Provides Congress with flexibility to adapt the powers of the federal government to changing circumstances.
Implied Powers
Powers that are not explicitly mentioned in the United States Constitution but are considered to be necessary and proper for the execution of the governments enumerated powers.
Importance of Implied Powers
Ensuring the effectiveness and adaptability of the federal government in addressing the nations evolving needs
Inherent Powers
Allowing presidents to take broad reaching authority not specified in the Constitution
Example of Inherent Powers
The ability to exercise inherent powers allows the President to take decisive action and demonstrate leadership in situations that require immediate attention.
Thomas Jefferson
An American Founding Father, second vice president, co-founder of the democratic-republican party
Importance of Thomas Jefferson
He was the principal drafter of the Declaration of Independence
Checks and Balances
A constitutionally mandated structure that gives each of the 3 branches of government some degree of oversight and control over the actions of others
Importance of Checks and Balances
Each branch is held accountable by another branch, and the system allows for the investigation and correction of abuses and overreach.
Supremacy Clause
Mandates that national law is supreme over all other laws passed by any other subdivision of government
Importance of Supremacy Clause
Prevents conflicts between federal and state laws and ensures that the federal legal system operates cohesively
Federalists
Those who favored a strong national government and supported the proposed US Constitution
Example of Federalists
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay (Authors of the Federalists Papers)
Anti-Fedarilists
Those who favored tronger state government and supported the proposed US Constitution; opposed the ratification of the US Constitution
Example of Anti-Federalists
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James Madison
A key framer often called Father of Constitution for his role in forming the federal government
Importance of James Madison
Played a key role in drafting the Bill of Rights, as he recognized the importance of protecting individual liberties and rights
The Federalists Papers
A series of political essays written in support of the ratification of the US Constitution.
Importance of Federalist Papers
It aimed to persuade the American public to support the Constitution and replace the Articles of Confederation
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution which largely guarantee specific rights and liberties
Importance of Bill of Rights
It serves as a protective shield against government intrusion onto these essential liberties.
