Vocabulary Chapters 1-3 Flashcards
Government
formal institutions through which a land and its people are ruled. American
political values of liberty, equality, and democracy.
Government expanded in the 1930’s.
Politics
refers to conflicts and struggles over the leadership, structure, and policies of
government
Trust in Government
today only 10% of the American people trust their government to do what
is right.
{In the 1960’s 75% of the people trusted the government. 1994- only 21% of the people}.
It is important for people to trust the government.
Political Efficacy
belief that ordinary citizens can affect what the government does.
{2012-62% of Americans felt government does not care and in 1960 only 25%}
Participation
people believe they can make a difference. Political indifference from a lack of knowledge.
Autocracy
governed by a single individual king or dictator.
Example: King of Jordan.
Oligarchy
small groups, landowners, military officers, or wealthy merchants.
Example: Russia
Democracy
citizens play a significant part in the governmental process.
Example: we vote
Constitutional Government
limits are placed on the power of government.
{Example: Latin America, Asia, and Africa the government is kept in check by political and social institutions}
Authoritarian Government
no formal limits but restrained by the power of other social institutions.
Example: Cuba, China, Iran.
Totalitarian Governments
controls all political, economic, and social life.
Example: North Korea.
Representative Democracy
citizens vote directly on laws and policies. Often called a direct democracy.
Political Culture
emphasizes the values of liberty, equality, and democracy
Liberty
both personal and economic freedoms. Linked to limited government.
Limited Government
powers are defined and limited by a constitution.
{First 10 amendments known as the Bill of Rights, above all preserve individual personal liberties and rights. Such as: free speech, assembly, religious beliefs}.
Equality of Opportunity
each person should be given a fair chance to go as far as his or her talents will allow.
Political Equality
members of the American political community have the right to participate in politics on equal terms.
{One person, one vote}
{2012 only 60% of citizens voted}
Majority rule, minority rights
government follows the majority of voters but protects the interests of the minority
Interests and Conflicts
five sectors of society had interests that were important in colonial politics:
- New England Merchants
- Southern Planters
- Royalists- holders of royal lands and offices
- Shopkeepers, artisans, and laborers
- Small Farmers
These groups were in conflict over issues of taxation, trade, and commerce.
{British tax and trade policies split the colonial
elite}
British Taxes and Colonial Interests
(French and Indian War)- In the 1760’s, Britain sought to impose new modest taxes on the colonists.
The British issued the Stamp Act and Sugar Act of 1764.
{New England Merchants and Southern Planters most effected}
{Boston Tea Party}
Declaration of Independence
written by Thomas Jefferson- a statement of American Independence from British rule.
Articles of Confederation
America’s first written constitution; served as the basis for America’s national government until 1789. Too weak to protect a new nation.
Confederation
relationship between the national government and the states.
Shay’s Rebellion
led a mob of farmers in rebellion against the government of Massachusetts.
{Attempted to capture the federal arsenal at Spring field}.
Virginia Plan-(House)
System of representation in the national legislature based on population.
{Edmund Randolph – large states}
New Jersey Plan- (Senate)
equal state representation in the national legislature regardless of population.
{William Patterson- Smaller states-Delaware, New Jersey, New York}
Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
House of Representatives- would be based on
the population of each state. Senate- would have equal representation regardless of the size.
10. Three- Fifths Compromise- every slave would be counted as three-fifths of a person for
congressional seats.
Checks and Balances
each branch of government can influence the other branches.
Constitutional Convention 1787- James Madison.
{Veto power of the president, Senate to approve presidential appointments, and Judicial review}.
Power balances power
Electoral College
electors from each state cast their ballots for president and vice president.
{Harrison v. Cleveland 1888, Hay v. Tilden 1876, Al Gore v. George Bush 2000, Clinton v. Trump
2016}. {Andrew Jackson v. John Adams 1824}
Bill of Rights
first 10 amendments of the constitution.
{Ratified in 1791: ensure certain rights and liberties to the people}
Separation of Powers
A. Legislative Branch- Article I
Senate power to ratify treatises and approve presidential appointments;
House-power to make laws, collect taxes, borrow money, declare war.
B. Executive Branch- Article II
Veto power, power to recognize other countries, negotiate treaties, convene congress in special session, pardons.
C. Judicial Branch- Article III
Supreme Court-power to resolve any conflicts that might emerge between federal and state laws. Montesquieu – power must be used to balance power.
Expressed Powers
Constitution grants only those powers specifically expressed in its text.
Elastic Clause
congress has the authority to make all laws necessary and proper.
Judicial Review
final decision when there is a conflict of interpretation of the constitution.
Supremacy Clause
national law is the law of the land.
Federalist Papers
essay’s supporting ratification of the constitution.
{Alex Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay}
Amendment
Four ways to change the constitution. We have only used one.
House and Senate pass by 2/3 vote;
then ratification of 3/4 of the states. (38)
What makes the constitution timeless is the ability to amend it.
Only 27 amendments.
Farmers included three limitations in the constitution:
- Separation of powers
- Federalism
- The Bill of Rights
Federalism
division of power between the national government and the state government.
{State governments have significant independent power to set policy such as: education, social program, and impose taxes}{Framers sought to limit the national government}
Implied Powers
enables congress “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper”
Reserved Powers or Tenth Amendment
framers sought to preserve a strong role for the states.
{Power to develop and enforce criminal codes, administer health and safety rules, regulate
marriage and divorce laws, regulate doctors, lawyers, plumbers, barbers}
Full Faith and Credit Clause
each state is expected to honor the “public acts, records, and judicial proceedings” that take place in any other state.
{Example: Same-Sex Marriage}
Privileges and Immunities Clause
states cannot discriminate against someone from another state or give special privileges to its own residents.
Home Rule
power delegated by the state to local government to manage its own affairs.
Dual Federalism
government powers were shared between the Federal and State government.
{What the Framers of the Constitution intended}
Commerce Clause
congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, states, and Indian tribes.
{Filburn V. Wickard}
{Seeds for expansion of national government}
States’ Rights
States do not have to submit to national laws whenever they believe the national
government had exceeded its authority.
{Wallace at the University of Alabama}
New Deal
federal government finance public works to aid the economy and put people back to work.
Grants-in-Aide
congress appropriates money to state and local governments on the condition that the money be spent for a particular purpose.
New Federalism under Nixon and Reagan.
{Example: Mississippi – Summer feeding programs}
Unfunded Mandates
imposed costs on states and local governments for which they are not reimbursed by the Federal Government.
{Example: No child left behind}