Dictatorship
Form of government where those who rule cannot be held responsible to the will of the people.
Parliamentary Government
A form of government in which the executive branch is made up of the prime minister, or premier, and the official’s cabinet; this branch is part of the legislature.
Presidential Government
A form of government in which the executive and legislative branches of government are seperate, independent, and coequal.
Democracy
A form of government where the supreme authority rests with the people
Oligarchy
A form of government in which the power to rule is held by a small, usually self-appointed group of elites
Divine Right Theory
the belief that God grants authority to a government
Amending the Constitution
2 ways to propose and 2 ways to ratify
Loose Constitutionalist
These people believe that the constitution is open to interpretation and can be stretched a bit
Strict Constitutionalist
These people believe that the constitution must be followed exactly by the letter
Rational Legitimacy of Gov’t
legal authority is legitimate because laws, rules, norms, and procedures are respected and obeyed because they are laws, rules, norms, and procedures.
Charismatic Legitimacy of Gov’t
Based on the charisma of the leader, who shows that he possesses the right to lead by virtue of magical powers, prophecies, heroism, etc.
Traditional Legitimacy of Gov’t
Derives from societal custom and habit that emphasize the history of the authority of tradition.
Articles of Confederation
Plan of government adopted by the continental congress after the American revolution. Established a firm league of friendship among the states but allowed few important powers to the central government.
US Constitution
the body of fundamental laws setting out the principals, structures, and processes of a government
Majority rule, minority rights
3rd premise of American Democracy
Necessity of Compromise
4th premise of American Democracy
Worth of the Individual
1st premise of American Democracy
Washington;s Inauguration
held in NY, set a lot of precedents
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments, given to appease the anti-federalists
John Hancock
Biggest signature on the Declaration. Of Independence
Social Contract Theory
The idea that people agreed with one another to create a state in which they would give up as much power to the state as needed to promote the safety and well-being of all
Connecticut Compromise
Agreement during constitutional convention by Roger Sherman that congress should be composed of a Senate in which states would be represented equally, and a House in which representation would be based on a states population.
Virginia Plan
Plan presented by Edmund Randolph and the constitutional convention that called for a bicameral legislature in which each states membership be determined by population.
New Jersey Plan
Plan presented by William Paterson at the constitutional convention that called for a unicameral legislature in which every state be equally represented.
Amendment 1
Freedom of speech, press, religion, petition, and assembly
Amendment 2
Right to bear arms
Amendment 3
No quartering of soldiers
Amendment 4
No unreasonable search or arrest
Amendment 5
Rights of the accused: grand jury, double jeopardy, due process of law
Amendment 6
Rights in criminal cases: speedy and fair trial
Amendment 7
Trial by jury in civil cases
Amendment 8
No excessive bail or cruel punishment
Amendment 9
People retain rights not listed in constitution
Amendment 10
Power to given to the federal government is given to the people or states
Amendment 11
Individuals cannot sue a state in federal courts
Amendment 12
Electoral college must cast seperate ballots for President and VP
Amendment 13
Abolished slavery
Amendment 14
All persons born or naturalized in the US enjoy full rights
Amendment 15
States cannot prevent a person from voting because of race, creed, or color
Amendment 16
Income tax amendment
Amendment 17
Provides for popular elections of US senators
Amendment 18
Prohibition
Amendment 19
Woman suffrage
Amendment 20
Moved inauguration from March 4th to January 3rd
Amendment 21
Repealed prohibition
Amendment 22
No person can serve more than two terms as president
Amendment 23
Presidential vote for DC residents
Amendment 24
Anti-poll tax
Amendment 25
Ailing president can pass duties of office to VP
Amendment 26
18 year olds can vote
Amendment 27
Congress can’t vote to give themselves raises until another election