American Government Separation of Powers

The division of governmental authority among different branches, ensuring no one branch has absolute power.

A system where each branch of government has the ability to limit the power of other branches, preventing tyranny.

The direct election of senators by the people, established by the 17th Amendment, potentially weakening checks and balances by increasing public influence on the Senate.

The growth of government agencies and departments can impact checks and balances by concentrating power in the executive branch.

Technology can influence checks and balances by facilitating communication, information sharing, and participation in government, potentially strengthening or weakening checks depending on its use.

The refusal to obey a law that is believed to be unjust, often as a form of peaceful protest.

The belief that there are universal moral principles that are independent of laws made by humans.

A form of resistance that uses non-violent methods to challenge injustice.

A moral framework that focuses on the consequences of actions, emphasizing actions that bring happiness and well-being to the greatest number of people.

The idea that individuals have a moral obligation to follow their conscience, even if it means disobeying laws they believe to be wrong.

A principle of morality that emphasizes respecting each individual's autonomy and inherent dignity.

A belief that actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences.

The use of one's own will and strength to resist injustice, often through non-violent means.

The political philosophy that emphasizes individual liberties and rights, with the government limited in its scope and powers.

A system of government where citizens have the power to make decisions through voting or representation.

A system that balances the power between a central government (federal) and individual states (local) with separate powers and responsibilities.

The core set of principles that guide the United States government, emphasizing individual rights, limited government, and democratic participation.

This document laid the foundation for the United States, guaranteeing basic human rights and establishing a system of government based on consent of the governed.

This document frames the structure and powers of the US government, establishing a balance between national and state authority.

This document, also known as the 'Bill of Rights', guarantees specific individual freedoms and safeguards against government overreach.

A key concept in American political thought that emphasizes citizen involvement in shaping government policies and decisions.

A theory that states have the right to nullify (cancel) federal laws they deem unconstitutional.

A system of government where the national and state governments have distinct powers and operate independently.

A system of government where the national and state governments work together and share powers.

A shift in power back to the states, emphasizing decentralization and state autonomy.

Funds provided by the federal government to states with broad discretion on how to spend them.

A Supreme Court case (1995) that limited federal power under the Commerce Clause, highlighting state sovereignty.

Rights reserved to the states or to the people, as defined by the Tenth Amendment.

A legal doctrine stating that a state cannot secede from the United States.

Federal grants-in-aid, also known as revenue sharing, are funds provided by the federal government to state governments.

Federal grants-in-aid are often used to establish national standards in areas like poverty, crime, and the environment.

Block grants give states more control over how federal funds are used, reducing federal bureaucracy.

Federal grants-in-aid provide funding for essential services at the local level.

Federal grants-in-aid help to equalize resources between states with different levels of wealth, ensuring fairness.

States compete for federal grant funding, which can lead to "dog-piling"

Federal grants-in-aid can be a source of political controversy as they redistribute wealth among states.

The distribution of federal grant dollars has been affected by significant events like 9/11, which shifted funding priorities toward homeland security.

The belief that structural barriers are more effective than a bill of rights alone in protecting liberty. This includes the separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.

A compromise that created a bicameral legislature with two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This resolved the debate on representation based on population or equal representation for all states.

The lower house of Congress, where representation is based on the population of each state. It is viewed as the more democratic chamber due to direct elections and shorter terms.

The upper house of Congress, where each state has equal representation (two senators). Initially, senators were chosen by state legislatures, but the 17th Amendment introduced direct elections.

A requirement that all bills proposing new taxes must originate in the House of Representatives, demonstrating the Framers' emphasis on democratic accountability to new taxes.