Glossary
Articles of Confederation
The first governing document of the United States, adopted in 1777, which created a weak central government.
Example:
The inability of the national government under the Articles of Confederation to effectively raise an army highlighted its fundamental weaknesses.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, which guarantee fundamental individual rights and liberties.
Example:
Freedom of speech, protected by the First Amendment, is a cornerstone of the Bill of Rights.
Brutus No. 1
An Anti-Federalist paper arguing against the ratification of the Constitution, fearing a strong central government would lead to tyranny and erode individual liberties.
Example:
Brutus No. 1 warned that a large republic would make it impossible for citizens to hold their representatives accountable.
Checks and Balances
A system in which each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) has the power to limit or oversee the actions of the other branches.
Example:
The President's power to veto a bill passed by Congress is a classic example of Checks and Balances.
Commerce Clause
A clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate and international commerce.
Example:
The federal government's ability to regulate trucking across state lines stems from the Commerce Clause.
Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by both the national and state governments.
Example:
Both the federal government and state governments can levy taxes, making taxation a prime example of a Concurrent Power.
Constitution
The supreme law of the United States, ratified in 1788, establishing the framework for the federal government and guaranteeing citizens' rights.
Example:
The U.S. Constitution outlines the three branches of government and their respective powers, forming the bedrock of American democracy.
Enumerated Powers
Specific powers granted to the federal government, particularly Congress, that are explicitly listed in the U.S. Constitution.
Example:
The power to coin money is an Enumerated Power of Congress, clearly stated in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
Executive Action
Actions taken by the President or the executive branch to implement or enforce laws, often without direct congressional approval.
Example:
When the President issues an executive order to create a new task force, it is an example of Executive Action.
Federalism
A system of government where power is divided and shared between a national (federal) government and various state governments.
Example:
In the United States, both the federal government and individual states have the power to create laws, demonstrating federalism in action.
Federalist No. 10
An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic with a strong central government is the best way to control the dangers of factions.
Example:
Madison's argument in Federalist No. 10 suggested that a diverse society would prevent any single faction from dominating.
Federalist No. 51
An essay by James Madison explaining how separation of powers and checks and balances would prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Example:
The concept of 'ambition counteracting ambition' to maintain governmental balance is a central theme of Federalist No. 51.
Implied Powers
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred as necessary for Congress to carry out its enumerated powers.
Example:
The creation of the national bank, though not explicitly mentioned, was justified as an Implied Power necessary for Congress to regulate currency.
Judicial Review
The power of the courts to determine whether acts of the legislative and executive branches are constitutional.
Example:
The Supreme Court's decision to strike down a state law as unconstitutional is an exercise of Judicial Review.
Legislative Proposals
Bills or resolutions introduced in Congress for consideration and potential enactment into law.
Example:
A new bill to fund infrastructure improvements would begin as a Legislative Proposal in either the House or Senate.
Limited Government
A principle that states the power of government is restricted by laws and a constitution to protect individual rights and prevent tyranny.
Example:
The U.S. Constitution's specific grants of power and its Bill of Rights exemplify the principle of Limited Government.
National Government Powers
Specific authorities granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution.
Example:
The power to declare war is a clear example of a National Government Power, ensuring a unified defense policy.
Natural Rights
Inherent rights possessed by all individuals, such as life, liberty, and property, that governments cannot legitimately take away.
Example:
John Locke's philosophy heavily influenced the American concept of Natural Rights, asserting that these rights predate government.
Necessary and Proper Clause
A clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that grants Congress the power to make all laws 'necessary and proper' for executing its enumerated powers.
Example:
Congress used the Necessary and Proper Clause to establish the Air Force, even though it wasn't explicitly listed as a power in the 18th century.
Separation of Powers
The division of governmental power among distinct branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent the concentration of power in any single entity.
Example:
The fact that Congress makes laws, the President enforces them, and the Supreme Court interprets them illustrates the Separation of Powers.
Social Contract
A philosophical concept where individuals voluntarily give up some freedoms in exchange for government protection and the maintenance of social order.
Example:
Citizens agreeing to obey laws in exchange for public safety and services is an example of the Social Contract in action.
State Government Powers
Authorities reserved for the individual state governments, often not explicitly listed in the Constitution but protected by the Tenth Amendment.
Example:
Setting educational standards for public schools within its borders is a key State Government Power.