Study of American Government
What principle states that ultimate political authority rests with the people?
Popular sovereignty
What 1786 uprising helped lead to the Constitutional Convention?
Shays’ Rebellion
What is federalism?
Constitutional sharing of power between national and state governments
What term describes shared beliefs about government and politics?
Political culture
What is a two-house legislature called?
Bicameral legislature
What type of democracy allows citizens to vote directly on laws?
Direct democracy
What principle divides government power among three branches?
Separation of powers
What powers are shared by both the federal and state governments?
Concurrent powers
Which value emphasizes individual freedom and limited government?
Liberty
What type of grant gives states money for a broad purpose?
Block grant
What system of government allows citizens to elect representatives to make laws?
Indirect democracy (representative democracy/republic)
What system allows each branch to limit the power of the others?
Checks and balances
What Supreme Court case confirmed national supremacy and implied powers?
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
What value stresses equal opportunity rather than equal outcomes?
Equality of opportunity
What clause allows Congress to make laws that are “necessary and proper”?
Elastic clause
Why does the U.S. use a representative democracy instead of a direct democracy?
The population is too large for direct participation
What Supreme Court case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
What amendment reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states?
10th Amendment
Why is trust in government important in a democracy?
It encourages participation and legitimacy
What power allows courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws?
Judicial review
What major question does Chapter 1 of the textbook focus on when studying American government?
Who governs and to what ends
What is the difference between a formal and informal amendment?
Formal changes the wording, informal changes the meaning
Which type of federalism involves cooperation between national and state governments?
Cooperative federalism
How does American political culture support democratic stability?
Shared values create agreement on basic rules of government
What powers are reserved to the states under the 10th Amendment?
Reserved powers