American Government Unit 1 Review

Fundamental rights that are inherent and cannot be taken away, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

An agreement between individuals to form a society and government, where individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and benefits.

A document that declared independence from British rule, outlining the principles of natural rights and self-governance.

A set of articles establishing a weak central government with limited powers, focusing on state sovereignty.

The primary law of the United States, outlining the structure of the federal government and defining its powers.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and liberties to citizens.

A landmark Supreme Court case establishing the principle of judicial review, allowing the Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

Four key functions of government: maintaining order, providing security, providing public services, and promoting the general welfare.

A system of government where states retain most of the power, while the central government has limited authority.

A system of government in which power is shared between a national government and state governments.

A system of government where all power is concentrated in the central government with limited state power.

The period from 1781 to 1789 when the United States operated under the Articles of Confederation, a weak central government with limited powers.

The period from 1789 to present when the United States has operated under the federal system, with a stronger national government.

The period from 1607 to 1783, marked by colonization, conflict with Britain, and the American Revolution.

The period from 1789 to 1865 defined by westward expansion, conflict over slavery, and tensions that ultimately led to the Civil War.

The period from 1865 to present, marked by Reconstruction efforts, industrialization, civil rights movements, and global influences.

A system of government where citizens directly vote on laws and policies, bypassing elected representatives. Examples include referendums and initiatives.

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. The representatives are accountable to the electorate and are expected to reflect the views of their constituents.

Government programs, regulations, and protections that aim to address social, economic, and environmental needs. Examples include Social Security, minimum wage laws, and clean air regulations.

Government initiatives designed to improve social welfare and address societal needs. These programs may provide financial assistance, healthcare, education, housing, or other services to citizens.

Government rules and regulations that aim to control and manage the economy. Examples include minimum wage laws, taxes, and financial regulations.

The official results of an election, including vote counts and declared winners.

A geographic area within a state represented by one member of the House of Representatives.

All eligible voters in an election.

The manipulation of electoral boundaries to benefit a specific political party or group, often by concentrating or diluting opposition votes.

A gerrymandering tactic that spreads opposition voters across many districts to decrease their influence in each.

A gerrymandering tactic that concentrates opposition voters in one district to limit their influence in other districts.

A Supreme Court case (1962) that established the principle of 'one person, one vote' in legislative redistricting, meaning districts should have roughly equal populations.

A Supreme Court case (1964) requiring congressional districts to have approximately equal populations to ensure equal representation.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, consisting of nine justices. It has the final say on interpreting the Constitution and federal laws.

Anti-Federalists feared a strong central government and wanted protections for states' rights and individual freedoms. Their concerns led to the creation of the Bill of Rights.

A federal judge is appointed to serve in a U.S. District Court, Court of Appeals, or Supreme Court. They are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Textualists or Originalists believe the Constitution should be interpreted based on its original meaning when written. They focus on the exact words and historical context of the text.

Living Constitutionalists believe the Constitution's meaning evolves over time. They adapt interpretations to address modern societal changes and values.

Original jurisdiction allows a court to hear a case first, rather than on appeal. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving states or foreign diplomats.

Article III of the Constitution establishes the judicial branch.

The President is the head of the executive branch, responsible for carrying out the laws passed by Congress. They oversee federal agencies and appoint officials to lead departments.

The President is the symbolic leader of the nation, representing the United States in ceremonial events like state dinners and foreign visits.

The President guides U.S. foreign policy, negotiates with other countries, and represents the nation in international affairs.

The President acts as the leader of their political party, supporting party candidates and setting the party's agenda.

The President monitors the economy, proposes policies for economic growth, and works to reduce unemployment and manage federal spending.

Executive Departments are specialized government agencies that help the President carry out policies. Examples include the Department of Defense, Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services.

The War Powers Act limits the President's ability to send troops into combat without Congress's approval. It requires troops to be withdrawn after 60 days unless Congress approves an extension.

Executive orders are directives issued by the President that have the force of law. They allow the President to manage federal operations without Congress's approval.