Pluralist democracy - groups compete to influence policy
Elite democracy - limited participation, most educated people run government
The US exhibits elements of all three models of democracy depending on the context
Federalist 10
Argued that a large republic with many competing factions would prevent any one faction from tyrannizing the others
Brutus 1
Argued that a large centralized government could not adequately represent the views of the people
The Articles of Confederation gave more power to the states than the federal government
Problems with the Articles of Confederation included the federal government's inability to raise revenue, raise an army, or enforce laws
Shays' Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger federal government
The Constitutional Convention was called to modify the Articles of Confederation, but ended up drafting an entirely new Constitution
Key compromises in drafting the Constitution
Great Compromise - bicameral Congress with House representing population and Senate representing states equally
Electoral College - states get electors based on Congressional representation to elect the President
Three-Fifths Compromise - 3/5 of enslaved population counted for representation
Compromise on importation of slaves
The Constitution was the subject of intense debate, particularly around how enslaved people would be counted for representation in Congress
The Three-Fifths Compromise meant that three-fifths of the enslaved population would count towards representation
The Constitution included a process to amend the document, requiring proposal by Congress or a special convention and ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures or conventions
The Constitution was ratified in June 1788 and became the governing document of the United States
The Constitution
It separated power and provided checks and balances to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful
Amending the Constitution
1. Proposal
2. Ratification
Federalism
The sharing of power between national governments and state governments
Types of powers in federalism
Exclusive powers of federal government
Reserved powers of states
Concurrent powers shared by federal and state governments
Fiscal federalism
The sharing of power through money, where the federal government establishes national standards and directs funds to compliant states
Fiscal federalism mechanisms
Grants (categorical and block)
Mandates
After 9/11, the federal government increased surveillance powers
This led to an outcry over violation of 4th Amendment rights
The No Child Left Behind Act gave the federal government more power over education
This led to an outcry over federal overreach into state domain
Constitutional provisions affecting federalism
10th Amendment
14th Amendment
Commerce Clause
Necessary and Proper Clause
Supreme Court cases on federalism
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Favored federal power
United States v. Lopez (1995) - Favored state power
Federalism in environmental regulations
Paris Agreement carbon emission standards
California maintaining emissions standards despite federal withdrawal