SCOTUS
It was ruled that separating children in public schools on the basis of race was unconstitutional.
What is Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Written by James Madison, it argues that a large, representative republic is the best way to control the dangers of "factions".
What is the Federalist no. 10?
Inherent, universal, and inalienable entitlements possessed by all individuals from birth.
What is Natural Rights?
The specific, explicitly listed authorities granted to the federal government—primarily Congress—under the U.S. Constitution.
What is Enumerated Powers?
This issue is common in large interest groups, where people enjoy benefits without joining or paying dues.
What is Free Rider Problem?
It was ruled that states could not tax the national bank, and it established the supremacy of federal law over state law.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?
An open letter written in 1963 that defends the strategy of nonviolent, direct action against segregation.
What is "Letters from Birmingham Jail"?
Prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by granting each the authority to limit the others.
What is Checks and Balances?
A lawmaking body divided into two separate, distinct chambers.
What is Bicameralism?
The voter basing their decision at the ballot box on previous events.
What is Retrospective Voting?
It struck down the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, determining that it was not a valid exercise of Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce.
What is Lopez v. United States (1995)?
A paper that argued against ratifying the Constitution, warning that a large-scale republic would destroy state sovereignty and individual liberty.
What is Brutus no. 1?
An implicit, foundational agreement where individuals voluntarily surrender some freedoms to a governing authority in exchange for security, order, and the protection of rights.
What is Social Contract?
The political practice of legislators trading votes on bills to ensure their respective projects pass.
What is Logrolling?
A model of democracy emphasizing broad, direct involvement of citizens in the direction and operation of political systems.
What is Participatory Democracy?
It was ruled that it is unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools.
What is Engel v. Vitale (1962)?
Written by Alexander Hamilton, it argues for a single, energetic executive leader as essential for a stable, effective, and accountable government.
What is Federalist no. 70?
A model of democracy where power is distributed among many competing interest groups, ensuring no single group dominates policy-making.
What is Pluralist Democracy?
Coined by Theodore Roosevelt to describe the office as an "excellent platform" to promote an agenda, influence public opinion, and pressure Congress to pass legislation.
What is Bully Pulpit?
A local, party-run meeting used to select presidential candidates and convention delegates through open discussion, debate, and public voting.
What is Caucus?
It was found that the right of an individual to "keep and bear arms", as protected under the Second Amendment, is incorporated by the Fourteenth Amendment and is thereby enforceable against the states.
What is McDonald v. Chicago (2010)?
This document created a "league of friendship" among 13 sovereign states, and established a weak central government.
What is the Articles of Confederation?
Political powers granted to the United States federal government that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the enumerated powers.
What is Implied Powers?
Three-way alliances between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that dominate policy-making in specific areas.
What is Iron Triangles?
Organizations that raise and spend unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals to advocate for or against political candidates.
What is Super PACs?