Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

Limited Government

A government restricted in its powers, ensuring certain individual rights cannot be infringed upon.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all humans, often articulated as 'life, liberty, and property'.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that political power rests with the people, derived from their consent.

Republicanism

A form of government in which representatives are elected to create and enforce laws.

Social Contract

An agreement where individuals surrender some freedoms for state protection of their natural rights.

Declaration of Independence

Document by Thomas Jefferson declaring the colonies' separation from Great Britain, exemplifying Enlightenment ideas.

Shays' Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786 demonstrating the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

The Great Compromise

An agreement that established a bicameral legislature with representation based on population and equality.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A solution for counting slaves for representation and taxation, counting each slave as three-fifths of a person.

Electoral College

A system established for electing the President, balancing congressional election versus popular vote.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one from gaining too much power.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that no one branch of government can dominate the others, each has methods to restrain the others.

Federalism

A system of government that divides power between a national and state government.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers retained by the states under the Tenth Amendment.

Concurrent Powers

Powers held by both state and federal governments, such as taxation.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate trade with foreign nations and among the states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws essential for exercising its enumerated powers.

Dual Federalism

A clear distinction between the responsibilities of state and federal governments.

Cooperative Federalism

A blended approach where federal and state powers intersect and collaborate.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for a specific purpose with strict limitations.

Block Grants

Federal funds given with fewer restrictions for general purposes.

Federalist No. 10

Madison's essay discussing the dangers of factions and advocating for a large republic.

Federalist No. 51

Madison's essay arguing for the necessity of checks and balances in government.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established the supremacy of federal law and affirmed Congress's implied powers.

United States v. Lopez

Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, emphasizing state sovereignty.