Unit 2 Vocab (Bolded Words)

Question 1

Democracy

Answer 1

System of government that gives power to the people, whether directly or through elected representatives

Question 2

Example of Democracy

Answer 2

Presidential elections allow the people to elect who they want to serve as president.

Question 3

Republic

Answer 3

Government rooted in the consent of the governed; a representative or indirect democracy.

Question 4

Example of Republic

Answer 4

The people can elect other people, such as senators, to represent themselves

Question 5

Political Culture

Answer 5

Commonly shareed attitudes, behaviors, and core values about how government should operate.

Question 6

Example of Political Culture

Answer 6

The US Constitution and Bill of Rights in regards to Liberty

Question 7

Declaration of Independence

Answer 7

Documented drafted in 1776 that proclaimed the right to separate from Great Britain

Question 8

Social Contract Theory

Answer 8

The belief that governments exist ased on the consent of the governed

Question 9

Example of Social Contract Theory

Answer 9

Individuals agree to be governed by a set of rules and entrust the government with the responsibility to protect their rights.

Question 10

Articles of Confederation

Answer 10

The compact between the 13 original colonies with the national government drawing its powers from the state

Question 11

Importance of the Articles of Confederation

Answer 11

Helped coordinate the Revolutionary War and in handling diplomacy

Question 12

Constitution

Answer 12

A document establishing the structure, functions, and limitations of the government

Question 13

Importance of Constitution

Answer 13

Provides framework for political and legal order.

Question 14

Great Compromise

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Three Fifths Compromise

Answer 15

An agreement stating that slaves would represent 3/5 of the total population of each state.

Question 16

Importance of Three Fifths Compromise

Answer 16

Used to determine the population for representation in the US House of Representatives

Question 17

Electoral College

Answer 17

System established by the US Constitution through which the presidnet is chosen by electors from each state

Question 18

Importance of Electoral College

Answer 18

Ensured that both state and federal interests are considered in the election process

Question 19

Separation of Powers

Answer 19

A way of dividing powers of government among the 3 branches.

Question 20

Importance of Separation of Powers

Answer 20

Separation of powers prevents the concentration of power in 1 branch, reducing risk of tyranny

Question 21

Enumerated Powers

Answer 21

Specific powers granted to the federal government by the United States Constitution

Question 22

Importance of Enumerated Powers

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer 23

Gives Congress the authority to pass all laws “necessary and proper” to carry out the enumerated powers specified in the US Constitution

Question 24

Importance of Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer 24

Provides Congress with flexibility to adapt the powers of the federal government to changing circumstances.

Question 25

Implied Powers

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Importance of Implied Powers

Answer 26

Ensuring the effectiveness and adaptability of the federal government in addressing the nations evolving needs

Question 27

Inherent Powers

Answer 27

Allowing presidents to take broad reaching authority not specified in the Constitution

Question 28

Example of Inherent Powers

Answer 28

The ability to exercise inherent powers allows the President to take decisive action and demonstrate leadership in situations that require immediate attention.

Question 29

Thomas Jefferson

Answer 29

An American Founding Father, second vice president, co-founder of the democratic-republican party

Question 30

Importance of Thomas Jefferson

Answer 30

He was the principal drafter of the Declaration of Independence

Question 31

Checks and Balances

Answer 31

A constitutionally mandated structure that gives each of the 3 branches of government some degree of oversight and control over the actions of others

Question 32

Importance of Checks and Balances

Answer 32

Each branch is held accountable by another branch, and the system allows for the investigation and correction of abuses and overreach.

Question 33

Supremacy Clause

Answer 33

Mandates that national law is supreme over all other laws passed by any other subdivision of government

Question 34

Importance of Supremacy Clause

Answer 34

Prevents conflicts between federal and state laws and ensures that the federal legal system operates cohesively

Question 35

Federalists

Answer 35

Those who favored a strong national government and supported the proposed US Constitution

Question 36

Example of Federalists

Answer 36

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay (Authors of the Federalists Papers)

Question 37

Anti-Fedarilists

Answer 37

Those who favored tronger state government and supported the proposed US Constitution; opposed the ratification of the US Constitution

Question 38

Example of Anti-Federalists

Answer 38

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Question 39

James Madison

Answer 39

A key framer often called Father of Constitution for his role in forming the federal government

Question 40

Importance of James Madison

Answer 40

Played a key role in drafting the Bill of Rights, as he recognized the importance of protecting individual liberties and rights

Question 41

The Federalists Papers

Answer 41

A series of political essays written in support of the ratification of the US Constitution.

Question 42

Importance of Federalist Papers

Answer 42

It aimed to persuade the American public to support the Constitution and replace the Articles of Confederation

Question 43

Bill of Rights

Answer 43

The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution which largely guarantee specific rights and liberties

Question 44

Importance of Bill of Rights

Answer 44

It serves as a protective shield against government intrusion onto these essential liberties.