V.
Social Contract
People consent to government authority in exchange for protection of rights.
Limited Government
Government powers restricted by law. (i.e. Constitution, Bill of Rights) Ensures protection of individual liberties.
Natural Rights
Rights people are born with (life, liberty, property/pursuit of happiness) philosophy of John Locke; foundation of Declaration of Independence.
Pluralist Democracy
Model where many interest groups compete to shape policy, preventing domination by one group.
Popular Sovereignty
Principle that government's legitimacy comes from the people. Expressed in "We the People" and applied through elections.
Incentives
A federal tool used to encourage state compliance
Indirect Democracy
Same as representative democracy - citizens elect officials to make policy
Inherent Powers
Powers that belong to any sovereign nation's government.
Republic
System where people elect representatives and government is limited by law - distinguished from direct democracy
Reserved Powers
Powers not given to federal governments and kept by States (10th amendment).
Mandates
Federal orders requiring states/local government to comply with rules. Can be funded/unfunded with money
Super Majority
Requirement of more than a simple majority
Revenue Shaving
Federal funds distributed to states with no conditions - popular in 1970s; ended under Reagan
Judicial Review
Powers of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional
Shay's Rebellion
Armed uprising of farmers in Massachusetts over debts and taxes. Exposed weaknesses of Articles of Confederation and pushed for a stronger Constitution.
Necessary and Proper Clause
Seen in "Elastic Clause". Key for implied powers and congressional flexibility
Virginia Plan
Constitutional convention proposal for representation based on population. Favored by large states; became basis for House of Representatives (HOR)
"Marble Cake" Federalism
Same as cooperative federalism - national and states responsibilities interwined.
Privileges and Immunations Clause
Article IV: States must treat citizens of other states equally.
Supremacy Clause
Article VI: Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are supreme over state laws.
Unicameral Legislature
Legislature with one chamber (ex. Articles of Confederation)
Non Federalism Devolution
Effort to return powers to the states (1980s-2000s). Associated with Nixon, Reagan, and conservative policies (ex. welfare reform)
Informal Amendment
Changes in meaning/application of Constitution without altering text (through court rulings, etc...)
Ex. Maybury vs Madison
"Layer Cake" Federalism
Same as Dual Federalism - clear separation of federal and state powers.
New Jersey Plan
Constitutional Convention proposal for equal representation in a unicameral legislature. Favored by small states.