Glossary
Anti-Federalist
A group of individuals who opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, primarily due to concerns about a strong central government and the lack of a Bill of Rights.
Example:
An Anti-Federalist would have argued that a powerful national military could easily be used to suppress dissent within states, rather than just defend against foreign threats.
Articles of Confederation
The first governing document of the United States, which created a weak central government and strong state governments.
Example:
The Articles of Confederation struggled to fund a national army, highlighting its inability to effectively address collective security issues.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and liberties to individuals and limiting government power.
Example:
The Bill of Rights ensures that citizens have freedom of speech, even if their opinions are unpopular, protecting them from government censorship.
Brutus No. 1
An Anti-Federalist essay arguing against the ratification of the Constitution, fearing it would create an overly powerful federal government that would threaten state sovereignty and individual liberties.
Example:
The author of Brutus No. 1 would likely have been concerned about the federal government's ability to impose a national mask mandate, viewing it as an overreach of power.
Checks and Balances
A system where each branch of government has the power to limit or oversee the actions of the other branches, preventing abuse of power.
Example:
The Senate's power to approve presidential appointments is a classic example of checks and balances, ensuring the executive branch isn't solely responsible for filling key positions.
Civil Disobedience
The refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government or occupying power, without resorting to violence.
Example:
Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus is a classic example of civil disobedience, a nonviolent act of resistance against an unjust law.
Declaration of Independence
A foundational document that declared the American colonies' independence from Great Britain and articulated the philosophical basis for a new nation.
Example:
The Declaration of Independence served as the ultimate breakup letter, detailing why the colonies were leaving King George III and establishing their own path.
Direct Action
The use of nonviolent tactics, such as protests, boycotts, and sit-ins, to achieve political or social goals by directly confronting an issue.
Example:
Organizing a march on Washington to advocate for voting rights is a form of direct action, designed to bring public attention and pressure for change.
Energetic Executive
A concept from Federalist No. 70 advocating for a strong, decisive, and accountable single leader of the executive branch.
Example:
During a national emergency, an energetic executive can quickly mobilize resources and make critical decisions, unlike a slow-moving committee.
Factions
Groups of citizens united by a common interest or passion, which can be adverse to the rights of other citizens or the community's interests.
Example:
A powerful lobbying group pushing for specific environmental regulations could be considered a faction if their interests conflict with broader public good.
Federalism
A system of government where power is divided between a national (federal) government and various regional (state) governments.
Example:
The debate over whether states or the federal government should control marijuana laws is a prime example of ongoing discussions within federalism.
Federalist No. 10
An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic is the best way to control the negative effects of factions.
Example:
When studying for the AP exam, understanding Federalist No. 10 helps explain why the Founders believed a vast country could still maintain stability despite diverse interests.
Federalist No. 51
An essay by James Madison explaining how separation of powers and checks and balances prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Example:
Reading Federalist No. 51 helps clarify why the President can veto a bill passed by Congress, demonstrating the intricate system of shared power.
Federalist No. 70
An essay by Alexander Hamilton advocating for a single, energetic executive (president) to ensure decisiveness, accountability, and efficiency in government.
Example:
Hamilton's arguments in Federalist No. 70 explain why the U.S. has one President rather than a committee of leaders, emphasizing the need for swift action in crises.
Federalist No. 78
An essay by Alexander Hamilton arguing for the importance of an independent judiciary with the power of judicial review, deeming it the 'least dangerous' branch.
Example:
When the Supreme Court strikes down a law, it's acting on the principles laid out in Federalist No. 78, asserting its role as the Constitution's guardian.
Judicial Review
The power of the courts to determine whether acts of the legislative and executive branches are constitutional.
Example:
The landmark case of Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
Large Republic
A system of government where a vast territory and diverse population make it difficult for any single faction to gain tyrannical control.
Example:
The idea of a large republic suggests that with so many different groups and opinions across the country, it's harder for one dominant political party to completely ignore minority viewpoints.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
A letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. defending the strategy of nonviolent civil disobedience against unjust laws and criticizing passive 'white moderates'.
Example:
Dr. King's Letter from Birmingham Jail powerfully articulated why direct action was necessary to force a confrontation with segregation, rather than waiting for gradual change.
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 carrying into execution its enumerated powers; viewed by Anti-Federalists as a source of unlimited federal power.
Example:
Anti-Federalists worried the Necessary and Proper Clause could allow Congress to create a national bank, even though it wasn't explicitly listed in the Constitution, thus expanding federal authority indefinitely.
Separation of Powers
The division of governmental authority into distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, each with specific responsibilities.
Example:
The separation of powers ensures that Congress makes laws, the President enforces them, and the Supreme Court interprets them, preventing any single entity from holding all authority.
Supremacy Clause
A clause in Article VI of the Constitution stating that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it are the supreme law of the land; viewed by Anti-Federalists as a threat to state power.
Example:
When a state law conflicts with a federal law, the Supremacy Clause dictates that the federal law takes precedence, as seen in disputes over environmental regulations.
U.S. Constitution
The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for the federal government and guaranteeing the rights of its citizens.
Example:
The U.S. Constitution outlines the powers of Congress, such as the ability to declare war, and sets limits on those powers.
Unalienable Rights
Fundamental rights inherent to all human beings, not granted by government, which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Example:
The concept of unalienable rights means that even if a government tried to take away your freedom of speech, it's still a right you inherently possess.
Weak Central Government
A system where the national government has limited powers, often relying heavily on the states for enforcement and funding.
Example:
Under a weak central government, states might impose tariffs on each other's goods, leading to economic chaos rather than national unity.