Vocabulary
Define slander.
Defamation of a person verbally is called slander. When you ruin someone's reputation based on gossip, accusations or lies. This ties in with propaganda.
How does federalism protect against tyranny?
Federalism helps protect against tyranny by dividing power between the national government and state governments. Because authority is dispersed rather than concentrated in a single central authority, no one entity has unchecked power.
Fill in the blank and explain what it means. "Popular ___________________"
Sovereignty. It means government by the people.
Fill in the blank. "All men are __________________"
Created equal.
What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?
For purposes of representation in the House of Representatives and taxation, three‐fifths of “all other persons” (enslaved persons) would be counted toward a state’s population.
This allowed slave‐holding states to count a portion of their enslaved population for political representation, even though those persons themselves lacked rights and votes
Define ratification.
Ratification is the formal approval of a document, treaty, or law. In the context of the U.S. Constitution, it refers to the process by which the states approved (ratified) the Constitution, making it valid for all of the United States.
Identify the term for federal programs that grant money to state and local governments for specific purposes.
Categorical grants or Grants-in-aid
Fill in the blank and explain what it means. "Limited ___________"
Power. Government power is restricted.
Fill in the blank. "Among these rights are Life, _______________________________________"
Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
In regards to the Preamble: What does “domestic tranquility” mean?
refers to the government’s aim to maintain peace, stability, and order within the country’s borders - internal peace rather than dealing with foreign threats
Define tyranny.
Cruel or oppressive rule of law from a leader or multiple leaders.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
The Supremacy Clause means that the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the highest laws in the nation.
If a state law or state constitution conflicts with a federal law or the U.S. Constitution, the federal law takes priority.
Fill in the blank and explain what it means. "Separation of _________________"
Power. Division of governmental roles and branches.
Fill in the blank. "They are endowed by _________________________________________"
their Creator with certain unalienable rights."
What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called? Name 2.
Bill of rights.
Define federalism.
The division of power between national and state levels of government.
How does federalism affect the relationship between state and national laws?
Both the state and national governments can make and enforce laws, but if a state law conflicts with a federal law, the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution makes the federal law the highest authority. This ensures unity on national issues while allowing states to govern themselves on local matters.
Fill in the blank and explain what it means. "Checks and _____________"
Balances. Each branch has an oversight of the other.
Fill in the blank. "Governments are ___________________________________________"
"instituted to secure these rights, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"
Political stalemate or deadlock is called what? What does this mean?
Gridlock. It means that the government cannot act or make decisions because opposing sides have equal strength or no agreement, so legislation or action is blocked.
Define federalist and anti-federalist.
Federalists: Supporters of the new Constitution who argued for a stronger national (federal) government and its ratification.
Anti-Federalists: Opponents of the new Constitution as originally proposed, who feared that a strong national government would threaten states’ rights and individual liberties.
How has the balance of power between the federal and state governments shifted over time in U.S. history, and what key events or Supreme Court cases have most influenced this change? What court case was affiliated with this? (it was in your vocabulary list)
The balance of power has shifted back and forth throughout U.S. history. Early on, under cases like McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court expanded federal authority by upholding implied powers and the supremacy of national law. During the Civil War and Reconstruction, federal power grew even more to preserve the Union and enforce civil rights.
What is it called where we elect the representatives of our state and nation?
Republicanism.
Whose 4 major truths were these?
Thomas Jefferson.
Name three Federalist leaders and three Anti-Federalist leaders during the fight over ratification of the Constitution.
Federalist leaders: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
Anti-Federalist leaders: Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Melancton Smith.