Foundations of American Democracy
This democratic ideal means that all government power comes from the consent of the people.
What is popular sovereignty?
The process by which individuals develop political beliefs through family, school, media, and peers.
What is political socialization?
This chamber of Congress is designed to represent the people and is based on population.
What is the House of Representatives?
This article of the Constitution establishes the judicial branch.
What is Article III (of the U.S. Constitution)?
This case ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional.
What is Brown v. Board of Education?
This document, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, explains natural rights and justifies independence from Britain.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This ideology generally favors more government involvement in social issues like education and public health to ensure equity and fairness.
What is liberalism/liberal ideology?
All bills that raise revenue must originate in this chamber.
What is the House of Representatives?
This constitutional principle allows courts to review laws and actions of other branches for constitutionality.
What is judicial review?
This case limited Congress’s use of the Commerce Clause by ruling that gun possession near schools was not interstate commerce.
What is United States v. Lopez?
Federalist 10 argues that a large republic is the best way to control these political dangers.
What are factions?
Political parties, interest groups, elections, and media are all examples of these channels connecting citizens to policymakers.
What are linkage institutions?
This Senate tactic allows a senator to prolong debate and delay or block a vote on legislation.
What is a filibuster?
The philosophy that federal courts should correct injustices when other branches of government or the states refuse to do so.
What is judicial activism?
This case required congressional districts to have roughly equal populations under the Equal Protection Clause. It established the "one man, one vote" principle.
What is Baker v. Carr?
This Anti-Federalist essay warned that a strong national government would threaten individual liberties and favored a small republic.
What is Brutus 1?
This type of public opinion poll collects data from voters immediately after they cast their ballots.
What is an exit poll?
A situation in which no legislation can be passed due to deep partisan disagreement is known as this.
What is gridlock?
The legal doctrine that encourages courts to follow precedent when deciding cases.
What is stare decisis?
This case established the power of judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
This Constitutional compromise created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in one chamber and equal representation in the other.
What is the Great Compromise?
This belief that one’s participation in politics can make a difference helps explain variations in voter turnout.
What is political efficacy?
This power allows Congress to check the Executive Branch by approving or withholding funds to federal departments/agencies.
What is the "power of the purse"?
In this foundational document, Alexander Hamilton writes that, "the judiciary is beyond comparison the weakest of the three departments of power".
What is Federalist 78?
This case expanded the reach (or purview) of the Second Amendment to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
What is McDonald v. Chicago?