Topic 1: Democratic Foundations
The body of representatives formally elects the President, serving as a compromise between a direct popular vote and a vote in congress
What is the electoral college?
This document created the first U.S government and gave most power to the states
What are the articles of confederation
This document protects different types of rights with freedom like speech, press, and religion.
What is the Bill of Rights?
System that divides power between national and state governments
What is Federalism?
Define Federalism
A political system that organizes a government into two or more levels that hold independent powers
James Madison's term for interest groups or parties that could threaten the stability of the government if left unchecked
What is a faction?
One major weakness of the articles of confederation
What is no power tax (or weak national government)?
This principle describes the people as the source of government power.
What is popular sovereignty?
This clause establishes that federal law is the supreme law of the land
What is the supremacy clause?
Define checks and balances
Key parts of the constitution that require each branch of the federal government to acquire the consent of the other two branches in order to act
This type of democracy involves citizens voting directly on laws and policies rather than through representatives
What is direct democracy?
This event showed the weaknesses of the articles and helped push for change
What is Shays rebellion?
Define one difference between civil liberties and civil rights.
Civil liberties are rights found within the constitution and bill or rights.
freedom of speech, right to bear arms, freedom of assembly
Civil rights are protected by the laws and guarantee equal protection and treatment.
voting rights, protection in work spaces, education accessibility
This clause allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its powers
What is the necessary and proper clause (or the elastic clause)?
What is enumerated Powers?
Powers helped by the federal government that are mentioned by name in the U.S. Constitution
In this type of democracy, citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf
What is representative democracy?
This group supported ratification of the constitution and a stronger national government
Who are the Federalists?
How do the ideas of popular sovereignty and limited government differ?
Popular sovereignty states the power comes from the people.
Limited government states the power is restricted through laws and rights.
Explain the difference between dual federalism and cooperative federalism
Dual is separate Powers, cooperative is shared powers
What is cooperative federalism
What is a social contract?
Explain how TWO weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation of the constitution
Weak army, no taxation, no money
How does the rule of law put limits to government power?
Judicial review, separation of power, protection of rights, accountability for all regardless on background
Explain how the necessary and proper clause and supremacy clause together expand federal power over the states
Elastic clause expands power, Supremacy ensures federal laws override state laws
What is fiscal federalism?
A policy where the federal government sets conditions for states to receive funds, often influencing state laws