Core Democratic Ideals
What are Natural Rights?
rights derived from human nature that no government can strip away
What is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence
Stated specific grievances against the British monarchy and explained why the colonies were creating a separate government
Describe the supremacy clause
federal law is supreme over state law when they conflict on constitutional matters
Describe the participatory model of democracy
broad citizen participation in political life and civil society
Describe popular sovereignty
government authority originates from the "consent of the governed."
Describe the outcome of the articles of confederation
Considered a failure as an initial governing document
Describe Bicameralism
House of Representatives: States with more people get more representatives (favors big states)
Senate: Every state gets two senators regardless of size (protects small states)
Describe the pluralist model of democracy.
Political power is distributed among a wide variety of organized interest groups (unions, non-profits, etc.)
Explain separation of powers & checks and balances
SoP- Dividing responsibilities among three independent branches
CaB- Giving each branch the power to block, modify, or influence the actions of the other two branches
This foundational document focused on the need for checks on power among government departments
Federalist No. 51
The two plans that caused the great compromise were titled...
The Virginia Plan
The New Jersey Plan
Describe the elite model of democracy
power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of wealthy and educated elites
What is republicanism and how does rule of law fit into the idea?
A system where citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf rather than voting directly on every policy
rule of law states that representatives themselves must follow the laws they write
The Gettysburg address referenced this specific document
Declaration of Independence
What is the difference between enumerated powers and reserved powers?
Enumerated: specific powers granted to Congress, such as coining money and declaring war
Reserved: Powers not delegated to the federal government belong strictly to the states or the people (e.g., police powers, public education standards)
What are pros & cons of the pluralist model
Pros: Ensures a wide range of voices have a "seat at the table"; encourages compromise
Cons: Wealthy or well-funded groups often have disproportionate influence; can lead to gridlock if groups refuse to compromise; public interest may be lost in "closed-door" lobbying
Explain how each branch of government cancels the other out.
Leg on Exec- Congress can override a presidential veto (2/3 vote), control the budget ("power of the purse"), and impeach the President
Leg on Jud- The Senate confirms judicial nominees
Exec on Leg- The President can veto legislation passed by Congress
Exec on Jud- The President appoints federal judges
Jud on both- Through Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison), the courts can declare acts of Congress or executive actions unconstitutional
55 delegates met in Philadelphia to draft this document
The U.S. Constitution
Describe the events leading up to the great compromise
Big States wanted representation based on population (more people = more votes)
Small states wanted every state to have the exact same number of votes
What is the perspective of the elite model
Views political power as flowing from the top down rather than from the grassroots public up