All Flashcards
What are unalienable rights?
Rights that cannot be taken away or denied.
What are factions?
Groups with common interests that can cause instability.
What is separation of powers?
Dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
What are checks and balances?
Each branch limiting the power of the other two branches.
What is federalism?
Division of power between federal and state governments.
What is judicial review?
Power to declare laws unconstitutional.
What is civil disobedience?
Nonviolent resistance to unjust laws.
What is a republic?
A government in which citizens rule through elected representatives.
Define tyranny of the majority.
When a majority group infringes on the rights of a minority.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
Federal law is supreme over state law.
Differences between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
Federalists: Strong central government, supported Constitution | Anti-Federalists: Strong state governments, feared Constitution.
Compare Federalist 10 & Brutus 1.
Fed 10: Large republic controls factions | Brutus 1: Republic leads to tyranny.
Single vs. Plural Executive?
Single: Decisive, accountable | Plural: Infighting, weaker.
Federalist 51 vs. Brutus 1 on power?
Fed 51: Separation of powers prevents tyranny | Brutus 1: Constitution creates a tyrannical central government.
Compare the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation.
Constitution: Strong central government, power to tax | Articles: Weak central government, no power to tax.
Main ideas of the Declaration of Independence?
Unalienable rights, government's role to protect rights, grievances against King George III.
Main ideas of the Articles of Confederation?
Weak central government, strong state governments, limited powers of Congress.
Main ideas of Federalist No. 10?
Factions are inevitable, large republic can control factions.
Main ideas of Federalist No. 51?
Separation of powers and checks and balances prevent tyranny.
Main ideas of Brutus No. 1?
Constitution gives too much power to the federal government, leading to tyranny.
Main ideas of Federalist No. 70?
Argues for a single, energetic executive (president).
Main ideas of Federalist No. 78?
Judiciary is the least dangerous branch and needs judicial review.
Main ideas of the Constitution?
Establishes structure of U.S. government, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism.
Main ideas of the Bill of Rights?
Guarantees basic rights and liberties, protects against government overreach.
Main ideas of Letter from Birmingham Jail?
Direct action is necessary, civil disobedience is justified, critique of 'white moderates'.