Unit 1 Flashcards
(28 cards)
limited government
the concept that governmental power should be restrained and defined by a constitution / set of laws
natural rights
fundamental / human rights that are inherent to all individuals
republicanism
a system of government where power is held by the people and exercised through elected representatives
social contract
an agreement between citizens and their government, where individuals give up some of their freedoms in exchange for protection of the common good
declaration of independence
• people have inalienable rights
• all men created equal
• individuals have a civil duty to defend these rights for themselves
grand committee
committee organized as Constitutional Convention that was created to solve the issue of how to appoint representatives in the national legislature
articles of confederation
first government of the US (1777)
• confederation: a loose union of sovereign states
• lack of central military
• overall WEAK
first amendment
protects the right to freedom of expression + religion
second amendment
protects the right to keep + bear arms
enlightenment
philosophical movement in Europe during the 18th century that centered around the idea of reason being the primary source of authority and legitimacy
john locke
english philosopher who advocated the ideas of government, human rights, and social contract
participatory democracy
citizens actively and directly participate in a decision-making processes, often through mechanisms such as town hall meetings, referendums, and grassroots activism
pluralist democracy
recognizes and accommodates diverse interests and groups within society, allowing competition and negotiation among different interest groups to influence policy-making and governance
elite democracy
a small, privileged group of individuals or institutions hold significant political power and influence, often based on factors such as wealth, social status, or expertise
federalist no. 10
written by James Madison, argues for the need to control the negative effects of factionalism through a representative democracy
• supports pluralist and elite models by suggesting that a larger and diverse republic would prevent any single faction from dominating, thereby protecting minority interests and promoting a more stable and balanced government
brutus no. 1
written in response to federalist no. 10, expresses concerns about the potential for elites to consolidate power and dominate the government
• advocates for more of a direct participatory model, emphasizing the importance of local control and direct involvement of citizens in decision-making to safeguard against the potential tyranny of the elite
factionalism
group of people who share a common political purpose
shay’s rebellion
a violent uprising in Massachusetts was eventually put down by state militia, but proved that the aoc was in need of a stronger central authority (1786-1787)
virginia plan
a proposal for the number of votes each state receives in Congress to be based on population
new jersey plan
limits each state to one vote in Congress to protect small states’ population
The Connecticut Compromise / Great Compromise
a crucial agreement reached by the Constitutional Convention in 1787 that resolved the contentious issue of representation
• bicameral legislature !!
• House of Representatives => based on state population
• Senate => two per state
anti-federalists
those who generally opposed of a stronger central government
alexander hamilton’s viewpoints
girl how should ik
power of the president
• enforce laws
• command military
• conduct foreign affairs
• appoint federal officials and judges
• vetoing or signing legislation
• issuing executive orders
