Important Figures
Known as the "Father of the Constitution" and a key author of the Federalist Papers, such as Federalist No. 10.
James Madison
The first governing document established a weak central government with limited powers.
Articles of confederation
This case established the supremacy of federal law over state law, ruling that a state could not tax a federal bank.
McCulloch v. Maryland
a branch of government consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which are responsible for making laws, controlling spending, and overseeing the president.
The Legislative Branch
A system of government in which a territory is controlled by two levels of government, such as state level and national government.
Federalism
English philosopher who advocated for a social contract in which power is derived from the consent of the governed.
John Locke
a declaration by the colonies to seek freedom from Great Britain, emphasizing the idea of natural rights and consent of the govern.
The declaration of independence
This case established the principle of judicial review, where the courts were granted the power to take down unconstitutional laws.
Marbury v. Madison
A branch of government that is responsible for enforcing and implementing laws passed by Congress, and is headed by the President.
The Executive Branch
a political ideology that combines ideas of political participation, rule by the consent of the governed, and sovereignty of the people.
republicanism
"A governed state is best for society. People need to give up some of their rights for the good of all."
Thomas Hobbes
Established a strong federal government that included checks and balances
The U.S constitution
This case determined that the Commerce Clause allowed the federal government to regulate interstate trade, even if the trade was not directly between states.
Gibbons v. Ogden
A branch of government that is responsible for interpreting laws, resolving legal disputes, and ensuring laws are applied fairly, led by the Supreme Court.
The Judicial Branch
A form of democracy that emphasizes broad, direct participation in politics and civil society, in which most or all citizens participate in politics directly.
participatory democracy
a philosopher who argued that government authority is based on a social contract and the consent of the governed.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Argued for a large republic to control factions and prevent tyranny of the majority.
Federalist No. 10
A Supreme Court case that marked a shift toward limiting the scope of the federal government’s powers under the Commerce Clause, emphasizing the role of states in regulating local matters.
United States v. Lopez
A document by James Madison argued that separation of powers and checks and balances would prevent any tyranny from the government.
Federalist No. 51
A form of democracy in which political power rests with competing interest groups so that no one group dominates political decisions.
pluralist democracy
advocated for the separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent any tyranny in the government.
baron de Montesquieu
An Anti-Federalist paper that argued against the Constitution, fearing a strong central government would overpower states and threaten individual rights.
Brutus No. 1
this states that the federal government can invalidate state law if state law is unconstitutional
Fletcher v Peck
This principle protects individual rights, such as freedom of speech, by putting government restrictions.
Limited government
A form of democracy in which a small number of people, usually those who are wealthy and well-educated, influence political decisionmaking.
elite democracy