Foundations of American Democracy

Her resistance triggered immediate passage of the Voting Rights Act, eliminating voting discrimination countrywide.

Rosa's defiance sparked the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency to combat racism via environmental justice reforms.

Her act became symbolic launching broader civil rights movement, catalyzing struggles against racial segregation.

It directly led to the establishment of a national healthcare system prioritizing access for minorities and underserved communities.

Ratify treaties

Interpret laws

Create laws

Enforce laws

It established judicial review, allowing courts to strike down laws conflicting with the Constitution.

It prompted a constitutional amendment clarifying states' rights versus federal authority.

It limited Congress's power by striking down an amendment to the Constitution.

It expanded federal supremacy by directly invalidating a state law for the first time.

Increased bipartisanship as leaders seek common ground between opposing views

Swifter passage of legislation due to increased pressure from constituents

More stringent adherence to strictly constitutional interpretations when drafting bills

Stalemate resulting from inability of parties reaching compromise on key issues

Town hall meetings where constituents give feedback to representatives

Legislative recall elections for incumbent lawmakers

Initiative referenda where citizens vote on proposals for new laws or amendments

Binding national polls to determine the direction of future legislation

Bureaucratic governance supposes policies favor economic elites because they control administrative agencies.

Populism advocates for policies favoring elite interests as it represents popular demands against establishment forces.

Elite theory suggests that society's most wealthy and powerful shape public policy more than less affluent citizens do.

Majoritarian politics implies economic elites' preferences prevail due to their numerical majority in society.

Low-wage workers may see decreased benefits from employers adjusting expenses

Inflation could rise due to tighter profit margins, prompting businesses to raise prices

Areas with higher living costs might experience job loss as companies struggle

Employment rates could drop sharply nationwide

Filing official complaints about current policies without proposing alternatives.

To encourage the direct election of local officials through national referenda.

Offering financial incentives directly targeting key decision-makers instead.

Building widespread public support that pressures legislators into passing desired policies.

Rights reserved to states or people

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition

Protection from quartering soldiers

Right to bear arms

Free-market capitalism

Welfare state principles

Social democracy

Keynesian economics