Unit 1 IDs Flashcards
Democracy
A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives.
Public Policy
Decisions by government to pursue particular courses of action.
The exercise of government power in doing those things necessary to maintain legitimate authority and control over society.
Direct Democracy
A form of government in which the people govern. Citizens meet and make decisions on public policy issues.
Representative Democracy
A form of government in which the people govern. Citizens elect officials who make decisions on public policy issues.
Traditional Democratic Theory
Government depends on the consent of the governed, which may be directly or through elected representatives.
Pluralist Theory
Interest groups compete in the political arena, each promoting it’s own policy preferences through organized efforts. Conflict among groups may require bargaining and compromise.
Constitutionalism
The idea that there are lawful limits on the power of the government.
Social Contract
A voluntary agreement between the government and the governed the government is then obliged to act within the confines of the agreement.
Natural Rights
Basic rights that are guaranteed to all persons.
Basic rights that a government cannot deny.
Articles of Confederation
The first national constitution of the United States that created a weak central government lasting from 1781-1789. Replaced by the current Constitution.
Virginia Plan
A constitutional proposal for a strong congress with two chambers, both of which would be based on numerical representation, thus granting more power to the larger states. Madison’s plan for a bicameral legislature that chooses the executive and judicial branches.
New Jersey Plan
A constitutional proposal for a strengthened congress but one I. Which each state would have a single vote, thus granting smaller states the same legislative power as a larger state.
Connecticut (Great) Compromise
The agreement at the Constitutional Convention to create a two chamber congress with the House apportioned by population and the Senate apportioned equally by state.
Three-Fifths Compromise
A compromise worked out at the 1787 Convention between northern states and southern states. Each slave was to be counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of federal taxation and congressional apportionment.
Federalists
Proponents of the Constitution during debate over ratification. Supported a strong Central Government and expanded legislative powers.
Antifederalists
Opponents of the Constitution during debate over ratification. Said the Constitution gave too much power to the national government at the expense of the states and it lacked a Bill of Rights.
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments of the constitution which include unalienable rights to all citizens.
Limited Government
A government that is subject to strict limits on its lawful uses of power, and hence, on it’s ability to deprive people of their liberty.
Separation of Powers
Division of the powers of government among separate institutions or branches. There are three branches, each with its own powers and duties and each independent of, and equal to, the other.
Checks and Balances
Each branch of government has powers and rule over other branches to check the spread of tyranny and make sure one branch has restraints on the other two branches, and that one branch is equal to the other.
Tyranny of the Majority
The potential of a majority to monopolize power for its own gain to the detriment of minority’s rights and interests.
Federalism
A division of governmental powers between national governments and state governments. Authority is divided between two sovereign levels of government: national and regional.
Amendments
A revision or a change to a bill, law, or constitution.
Formal Amendment Process
Written changes to the Constitution.
Adding to, changing the wording of, or deleting language from the Constitution.
