Foundations of American Democracy
Key structures of the Constitution that allow each governmental branch to enact forms of oversight over the other. This helps to ensure that a single branch does not get to powerful or form a tyranny.
Check and Balances
These grants typically have some strings attached, but the local or state government also has the freedom to allocate the grant funds for a wide range of services to the state or locality.
Block Grants
One key clause in this amendment is "equal protection of the laws"; this amendment played a key role in cases like Brown v. Board of Education and Obergefell v. Hodges.
14th Amendment
Refers to a person who adopts a political ideology which favors more government regulation of business and an increased support for social welfare, but usually less regulation of private social conduct (ex. pro choice).
Liberal
A term first used by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, used to refer to his office as president as an ideal position from which to advocate his political agenda. In literal translation it can mean "A very good platform." In general, the term refers to a position, usually presidential, that provides an opportunity to speak out and be heard by many.
Bully Pulpit
Powers held by Congress that are explicitly listed in the U.S. Constitution.
Enumerated Powers
Shared powers given by the U.S. Constitution to both national and state governments. An example of this is the power to levy taxes.
Concurrent Powers
The freedom of citizens to exercise their rights without abridgement by legislation or judicial interpretation. An example of these are the five basic rights which are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Civil Liberties
A political philosophy and essential element of American democracy that promotes and encourages a diversity of political stances and participation which will result in the negotiation and compromise of solutions for the benefit of society.
Pluralism
A gathering of local party members to choose candidates for public office or delegates to the national party convention and to decide the party platform. Can also be used to describe a specific group of individuals within Congress that advocates on behalf of a group or demographic (ex. Black demographic, Women)
Caucus
An agreement between a government and the people, in which the people consent to be governed so long as the government protects the natural rights of the people.
Social Contract
Part of Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution that allows Congress to regulate the trade of goods across state lines.
Commerce Clause
A citizen's entitlement to fair treatment through the judicial system and requires the state to respect the legal rights owed to an individual or group. This clause shows up in both the 5th and 14th Amendments.
Due Process
Refers to the citizens' faith and trust in their government and also refers to the citizens' feeling that they can have an influence on the political system.
Political Efficacy
The act of setting boundaries for electoral districts so as to favor political interests within legislative bodies or hurt the political interests of an opposing group.
Gerrymandering
A political system that organizes a government into two or more levels that hold independent or sometimes shared powers.
Federalism
A right held by the federal courts to make rulings on the constitutionality of laws and executive and legislative actions.
Judicial Review
The constitutional concept that civil liberties of the Bill of Rights are applied to the states through the Due Process clause of the 14th Amendment.
Incorporation Doctrine
The process by which individuals learn and acquire a political lens.
Political Socialization
An alliance of various individuals who unite for the purpose of influencing government or public policy in favor of a common cause or agenda.
Interest Groups
A group that tries to influence the government for the benefit (or interest) of its own members. This was heavily discussed in Madison's Federalist #10
Faction
A legal doctrine that requires judges to follow the precedents established in prior court decisions and historical court cases.
Stare Decisis
This concept allows the Supreme Court to incorporate certain parts of certain amendments, rather than incorporating entire amendments at once.
Selective Incorporation
A system of laws, regulations, and funding priorities concerning a topic that is of interest to a governmental entity or its representatives. This is made on behalf of the public in order to solve a problem or achieve a goal that is in the best interest of society.
Policy or public policy
These independent expenditure groups are legally able to raise and spend large amounts of money in support of a candidate running for political office, but cannot contribute hard money directly to the candidate they support.
Super PACs