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chapter 2 gov

Terms in this set (44)

Constitution
a nation's basic law that creates political institutions, assigns or divides power within government, and provides guarantees to citizens.
Declaration of independence
a political argument announcing a revolution to the citizens of the colonies and presently a statement of philosophy. the document approved in 1776 that stated their grievances against British monarch
Natural rights
rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments. (life, liberty, and property)
Consent of the governed
the idea the gov gets its authority by the permission of people
Limited government
there must clear restrictions on what rulers can do to protect citizens
Articles of confederation
a plan for permanent union of the states (1781 enacted) Established a national legislature, the Continental Congress, but most authority rested with the state legislatures
Shay's rebellion
a series of armed attacks on courthouses to prevent judges from foreclosing farms
U.S. constitution
the fundamental principles of the united states. outlining the structure and rights of government and people
Factions
groups such as parties or interest groups (according to Madison came from unequal distribution of wealth and could cause instability)
New Jersey Plan
called for each state to be equally represented in the new Congress
Virginia Plan
called for giving each state representation in Congress based on the state's population
Connecticut Compromise
create two houses in congress, the Senate with each state having two reps and the House of Reps based on pop
Writ of habeas corpus
court order that enables persons detained by authorities to secure an immediate inquiry into the causes of their detention. If no proper explanation is offered a judge can order their release
Separation of powers
each of the executive, legislative, and judicial would be relatively independent so that no single branch could control the others
Checks and balances
idea that each branch requires consent of the others for many of its actions limiting and balancing power
Republic
a form of gov in which the people select reps to govern and make laws
Federalists
those that supported the Constitution
Anti-federalists
those that opposed the Constitution
Federalist papers
a series of 85 articles in praise of the constitution, outlining the thinking of the Framers written by Alexander Hamiliton, John Jay and James Madison
Bill of rights
the first 10 amendments to the constitution that restrain the national government from limiting personal freedoms
Equal rights amendment
a failed amendment that stated that the equality of rights under the law cannot be denied or changed on account of sex
Marbury v. Madison
1803, case where supreme court asserted its right to determine the meaning of the Constitution. Established the court's power of judicial review over acts of congress
Judicial review
gives courts the right to decide whether the actions of the other branches are in accord with the constitution
Authoritarian regimes
rulers fully controlled the government and often held sway over economic and social institutions as well
Direct democracy
citizens debate and vote directly on all laws
An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution
argued that the founders created a constitution that benefited their economic interests.
Elite theory
idea that a representative democracy is not based on the will of the people, but that there is a small elite class that makes the important decisions
Electoral college
people selected by each state legislature to formally cast their ballots for the presidency
European Enlightenment
a time of discoveries that form the basis of modern science, grew out of the Scientific Revolution. emphasis on reason
Federalist #10
argued that separation of powers and federalism check the growth of tyranny
Formal amendment process
the four ways in which the constituion may be amended:
proposed by 2/3 of each house and ratified by 3/4 state legislatures or ratified by specially call conventions in a least 3/4 states
proposed by a national constituional convention and ratified by 3/4 states or 3/4 state legislatures
The great compromise
also the connecticut compromise, combined virginia plan and new jersey plan
Informal amendment process
legislature, executive branch, judicial branch all have a part in law making
Judicial review
the power of the courts to declare statutes unconstitutional and interpret the constitution
John Locke
believed in the state of nature. philosophical writer
Majoritarianism
the tendency for government to do what the majority wants
Pluralism
the argument that representative democracies are based on group interests that protect the individual's interests by representing him or her to government
Ratification
the formal approval of the constitution by the states
Representative democracy
a compromise between a direct democracy and an authoritarian rule
Second Treatise of Government
Locke stated that people form governments to protect ehir natrual rights, giving up their freedom to govern themselves through a social contract between government and governed. the only valid government is base d on the consent of the governed
Social contract
an agreement between rulers and citizens that both sides are obligated to honor
State of nature
people are naturally free and equal
Three-fifths compromise
allowed southern states to count a slave as three fifths of a person allowing a balance of power between north and south
democracy
a form of government that places ultimate political authority in the hands of the people
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