Chapter 1
Government and Democracy
Government and Democracy
What is the definition of government?
The means by which a society organizes itself and allocates authority to accomplish collective goals.
What did John Locke contribute to American political thought?
Ideas of natural rights (life, liberty, property) and social contract.
Who were the Federalists?
Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong national government.
What is the Compact Theory?
States formed the union and retain ultimate authority.
What’s the difference between civil liberties and civil rights?
Liberties: protections from government
Rights: protections by government.
What is a participatory (direct) democracy?
A form of democracy where citizens directly participate in decision-making.
What were the main grievances of the colonists in the Declaration of Independence?
Taxation without representation, standing armies, and denial of trial by jury.
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
Opposed the Constitution feared central power and wanted a Bill of Rights.
What is the Nationalist Theory?
The nation was created by the people, giving national government supreme authority.
What is freedom of expression?
The right to speak, publish, assemble, and protest.
What is a representative (indirect) democracy?
A form of democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
What was the Articles of Confederation?
The first U.S. constitution
Why was the Bill of Rights added in 1791?
To protect individual liberties and satisfy Anti-Federalist concerns.
What does the Necessary and Proper Clause do?
Grants Congress the power to pass laws needed to carry out its duties.
What does the Establishment Clause do?
Prevents government from establishing a national religion.
What are public goods?
Goods provided by government that are available to all without exclusion, like clean air or national defense.
Name one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
Congress couldn't levy taxes or regulate commerce.
What issue did the Electoral College compromise solve?
Balance between Congress and popular vote.
Explain dual federalism vs cooperative federalism.
Dual: clear state/federal roles
Cooperative: shared roles
What is the Free Exercise Clause?
Protects individuals’ right to practice their religion freely.
Define the four types of goods in society.
Public: non-excludable/non-rival
Private: excludable/rival
Common: non-excludable/rival
Toll: excludable/non-rival
What were the Great Compromise and the 3/5 Compromise?
Great: bicameral legislature
3/5: counted slaves as 3/5 for representation/taxes.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
It establishes that the Constitution and federal law override state laws.
What are the differences between categorical and block grants?
Categorical: specific purposes
Block: broad purposes with more state control
What are de jure and de facto discrimination?
De jure: by law
De facto: by practice or social conditions.