The Constitution
This plan proposed representation in Congress based on population.
Virginia Plan
Powers specifically given to the national government by the Constitution.
enumerated (expressed) powers
This 1776 document declared independence from Britain.
Declaration of Independence
This principle means government power comes from the consent of the governed.
popular sovereignty
A system in which citizens vote directly on laws and policies
direct democracy
This English philosopher argued that humans have natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
John Locke
compromise that settled disputes over how presidents would be chosen.
Electoral College
This compromise created a bicameral legislature with one chamber based on population and the other with equal representation.
Great (Connecticut) Compromise
The division of power between state and national governments.
federalism
This document governed the U.S. before the Constitution and gave most power to the states.
Articles of Confederation
This principle divides power among three branches of government.
separation of powers
A theory of democracy where many groups compete to influence government policy, and no single one dominates.
pluralist democracy
This French philosopher championed freedom of speech, religion, and separation of powers in government.
Montesquieu
This group demanded a Bill of Rights before ratifying the Constitution
Anti-Federalists
This clause in the Constitution allows Congress to make laws necessary and proper to carry out its powers.
Elastic Clause or Necessary and Proper Clause
This 1819 Supreme Court case established national supremacy and upheld the use of implied powers
McCulloch v. Maryland
This group argued for a strong central government and supported ratifying the Constitution.
Federalists
This principle allows each branch to limit the power of the others.
checks and balances
A theory of democracy where a small number of wealthy and powerful people dominate government policy.
elitist democracy
This Enlightenment thinker argued that a social contract gives government legitimacy but people retain the right to rebel against unjust rulers.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
a clause in Article IV, Section I, of the Constitution requiring each state to recognize the official documents and civil judgments rendered by the courts of other states
full faith and credit
This document replaced the Articles of Confederation as the framework of government in 1789.
U.S. Constitution?
Federal funds provided to states for general purposes, with few restrictions.
block grants
This essay by James Madison argued that a large republic prevents the tyranny of factions.
Federalist No. 10
The idea that government is restricted by law and must follow the Constitution
limited government
Which type of democracy is most evident in town hall meetings and ballot initiatives?
participatory (direct) democracy
The idea, influenced by Montesquieu, that government should be divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches
separation of powers
interest groups arising from the unequal distribution of property or wealth that James Madison attacked in Federalist Paper No. 10
Factions
This clause establishes the Constitution as the highest law in the land.
Supremacy Clause
The shift in power and responsibility from the federal government back to the states, especially in the 1980s.
devolution
This essay by James Madison defended the separation of powers and checks and balances.
Federalist No. 51
this principle means elected leaders are accountable to the people through elections.
republicanism
Federal money given to states for a specific, narrowly defined purpose.
categorical grants
Enlightenment philosopher wrote about the social contract and the right to revolt
Rousseau
amendment reserves powers not delegated to the national government for the states
10th Amendment
this part of the Constitution sets out the goals and purposes of government.
Preamble
This case marked a shift back toward state power by limiting federal reach.
U.S. v. Lopez
This Anti-Federalist paper warned that the new Constitution would lead to an oppressive federal government.
Brutus No. 1
This compromise reflects the principle of federalism by balancing state and national influence in the election of the president.
Electoral College
This occurs when the federal government requires states to take action but doesn’t provide funding.
unfunded mandate
The Enlightenment concept that inspired the Bill of Rights’ protection of freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly
natural rights or individual rights
powers that the Constitution does not give to the national government that are kept by the states
Reserved Powers
This method of amending the Constitution has been used for all 27 amendments.
proposal by 2/3 of Congress and ratification by 3/4 of states
Power shared by state and national governments; e.g., taxing
concurrent power
Name one key structural weakness of the Articles of Confederation that directly influenced the design of the Constitution.
lack of taxing power, lack of executive, inability to regulate commerce, or lack of a national judiciary
This theory argues that political power is distributed among competing groups so no single one dominates.
pluralist democracy
Name one historical example of the federal government using grants to influence state policy.
the drinking age tied to highway funds (South Dakota v. Dole), Medicaid expansion, or education funding like No Child Left Behind?
Which Enlightenment thinker promoted freedom of speech and religion?
Voltaire
a court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody
writ of habeas corpus