Foundations of Democracy
A 17th and 18th-century intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and science to challenge traditional authority and dogmas, leading to revolutionary ideas in philosophy, politics, art, and science that promoted concepts like natural rights, liberty, and the separation of church and state.
Enlightenment Era or Age of Enlightenment
allows Congress to regulate commerce among the states
Commerce Clause
Division of powers between national and state government
Federalism
A foundational document that cites specific reasons for separating from British rule, including the British imposing taxes and maintaining a standing army without consent.
Declaration of Independence
struck down the Gun-Free School Zones Act as an unconstitutional overreach of Congress's power under the Commerce Clause
U.S. v. Lopez
What are the three plans that were created during the Constitutional Convention?
Virginia Plan, New Jersey, and the Great Compromise
grants Congress the power to make all laws that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out its enumerated powers and other powers vested in the federal government
Necessary & Proper/Elastic Clause
Government only has the powers expressly given to them by the people, in the constitution
Limited Government
A foundational document that was adopted in 1781 by the thirteen original states to serve as the first national constitution of the United States, establishing a loose federal government
Articles of Confederation
established the principle of implied powers for Congress and the supremacy of federal law over state law
McCulloch v. Maryland
What are the main roles of the three branches of government?
Legislative= proposing and making laws
Executive= executing and enforcing laws
Judicial= determining the constitutionality of laws
Explained in the 10th amendment, these powers belong to the states
Reserved Powers
Under a republican form of government, the people choose representatives who make political decisions their behalf
Republicanism
The foundational document that pushed for states' rights and advocate for small, independent republics to avoid a tyrannical central government and protect individual rights. Which faction wrote this document
Brutus 1 was written by the Anti-Federalists
established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws passed by Congress unconstitutional if they conflict with the U.S. Constitution
Marbury v. Madison
Explain the difference between block grants and categorical grants.
Block grants= federal funds given to state or local governments with broad discretion on how to spend the money
Categorical grants= federal funds for a narrow, specific purpose with strict federal guidelines
Specifically delegated by the Constitution to the federal government
Exclusive Powers
Liberties of each individual to pursue life, liberty, and happiness without interference from other individuals or the government
Individual Rights
A foundational document that argued that a large, representative republic under a strong federal government is the best system for controlling the harmful effects of "factions" (interest groups) and thereby preserving individual liberties. Which faction wrote this foundational argument?
Federalist 10 was written by the Federalists
How does the case of McCulloch v. Maryland serve as an example of the balance of power tipping in favor of federal power?
McCulloch v. Maryland tipped the balance of power toward the federal government by establishing the doctrine of implied powers and affirming the supremacy of federal law over state law. The ruling reinforced the idea of a strong, central government and significantly limited states' autonomy.
Describe the three models of democracy
Elite Democracy= emphasizes limited participation in policymaking on the assumption that government is complicated and therefore the most educated people need to run it
Pluralist Democracy= Groups of people associate with interest groups who then compete to influence policy
Participatory Democracy= emphasizes broad participation in the political process by most, if not all, members of a society
powers explicitly listed in a legal document, such as the U.S. Constitution
Enumerated (Expressed) Powers
Principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of the people
Popular Sovereignty
The foundational document that explained the importance of check and balances and the separation of powers. Who wrote this document?
Federalist 51 was written by the Federalists, specifically by James Madison
Why is the case of U.S. v. Lopez significant?
U.S. v. Lopez is significant because it was the first time the Supreme Court limited congressional power under the Commerce Clause in over 50 years, striking down the Gun-Free School Zones Act as exceeding federal authority.