Forms of Government
democracy government in which each citizen has equal amount of influence over government policy
What is pluralist democracy
idea government gains its legitimacy through reg elections in which people living under that government participate to elect leaders
What is consent of the governed
A more refined and realistic form of cooperative federalism in which policy makers within a particular policy area work together across the levels of government.
What is Picket fence federalism
political freedom (speech, press, assembly, and religion); these and other legal and due process rights protecting individuals from government control are outlined in Bill of Rights of US Constitution
What is liberty
Responsibilities for particular policy areas, such as transportation, that are shared by federal, state, and local governments.
What is Concurrent powers
form of government in which power is held by single person who comes to power through inheritance rather than election
What is monarchy
the process that determines what government does
What is politics?
The form of federalism favored by Chief Justice Roger Taney in which national and state governments are seen as distinct entities providing separate services. This model limits the power of the national government.
What is Dual federalism
belief that form of government in which interests of the people are represented through elected leaders is best form of government
What is republicanism
Impositions of national priorities on the states through national legislation that is based on the Constitution's supremacy clause.
What is Federal preemptions
democratic government in which citizen are directly involved in making choices about government policy through some form of referenda
What is participatory democracy
"unalienable rights" (life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness); founders believed upholding these rights should be government central purpose
What is natural rights
A form of federalism in which federal funds are allocated to the lower levels of government through transfer payments or grants.
What is Fiscal federalism
uprising of abt 4,000 men in MA in 1786-1787 to protest oppressive laws and gain payment of war debts; unrest called for new Constitution
What is shays' rebellion
Federal aid to state or local governments that is provided for a specific purpose, such as a mass-transit program within the transportation budget or a school lunch program within the education budget.
Categorical grants
a democratic government in which citizens choose among candidates in an election with winners given power to determine government policy until next election
What is representative democracy
concept developed by political philosophers of 18th century that defined legitimacy of the state; people recognize authority of state to govern over them and in turn, government protects rights and freedom of people
What is social contract
A form of federalism in which the federal government pressures the states to change their policies by using regulations, mandates, and conditions (often involving threats to withdraw federal funding).
What is Coercive federalism
In the context of American politics, "equality" means equality before law, political equality (one person, one vote), and equality of opportunity (equal chance for everyone to realize potential), but not material equality (equality income or wealth)
What is equality
Federal aid provided to a state government to be spent within a certain policy area, but the state can decide how to spend the money within that area.
What is Block grants
democratic government in which some citizen (wealthy, better educated, certain social group) have disproportionate influence over government policy
What is elitist democracy
The system for implementing decisions made through political process
What is government?
A form of federalism in which states compete to attract businesses and jobs through the policies they adopt.
What is Competitive federalism
Supreme court declared part of a law passed by Congress was unconstitutional; helped establish court as equal player in system of checks and balances
What is marbury vs madison
A 1995 case that struck down a federal law regulating the possession of firearms around schools. It was the first time that the Court had restricted Congress's power to pass legislation under the commerce clause since the New Deal in the 1930s.
What is United States v. Lopez