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28 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Authority |
The right or power of a government or other entity to enforce its decisions |
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Bill of Rights |
The first ten amendments of the Constitution |
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Direct democracy |
A system of government where political decisions are made by the people directly rather than by their elected representatives, easily attained in small communities |
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Limited government |
A government with powers that are limited either through a written document or widely shared beliefs |
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Representative democracy |
A form of government in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies, this may retain the monarchy in a ceremonial role |
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Anti-Federalists |
Individuals who opposed the ratification of the new constitution in 1787. the Anti-Federalists were opposed to a strong central government |
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Federalist |
One who has in favor of the adoption of the US Constitution and the creation of a federal union with a strong central government |
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Separation of powers |
The principle of dividing governmental power among different branches of government |
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Concurrent powers |
Powers held jointly by the national and state government |
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Dual federalism |
A model of federalism in which the states and the national government it remains Supreme within their own spheres the doctrine looks on nation and State as equal sovereign powers neither state government or national government should interfere in the others sphere |
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Enumerated powers |
Powers specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution. the first 17 clauses of Article 1 Section 8 specify most enumerated powers of the national government |
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Unitary system |
A centralized government system and which ultimate governmental Authority rest in the hands of the national government |
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Supremacy clause |
The Constitutional provision that makes the Constitution and federal laws Superior to all conflicting state and local laws |
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Devolution |
The transfer of power from National to state or local government |
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Confederal system |
A system consisting of a league of independent states in which the central government created by the league has only limited powers over the states |
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Establishment Clause |
The part of the First Amendment prohibiting the establishment of a church officially supported by the national government this determines the legality of giving state and local government Aid to religious organizations and schools allowing School prayers and teaching evolution |
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Free exercise clause |
The provision of the First Amendment guaranteeing the free exercise of religion the provision constrains the national government from prohibiting individuals from practicing the religion of their choice |
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Exclusionary rule |
A judicial policy prohibiting the admission at trial of illegally obtained evidence |
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Checks and balances |
A major principal of the American gov in which each branch can check the actions of others |
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Liberalism |
A set of beliefs that includes the advocacy of positive government action to improve the welfare of individuals, support for civil rights, and tolerance for political and social change. |
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Conservatism |
A set of beliefs that includes a limited role for the national government in helping individuals, support for traditional ideals and life choices, and a cautious response to change |
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Co-operative federalism |
A model of federalism in which the states and the national government cooperate in solving problems |
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Civil liberties |
Personal freedoms, including religion, speech, that are protected for all individuals. |
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Elastic/ necessary and proper clause |
Clause in article 1, sect 8 that grant congress the power to do whatever necessary to execute its specifically delegated powers |
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Inherent powers |
Power of president derived from the statements in the constitution that "the executive power shall be vested in a president and the president should take care that the laws be faithfully trusted |
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Republic |
A form of gov in which sovereign power rests with the people rather than a king or monarch |
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Popular sovereignty |
Control by the people |
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Separation of powers |
When no branch of government is able to dominate the other |
