Federalism describes a system where sovereignty is shared between national and state governments. It is a fundamental concept in U.S. government that helps balance power.

Separation of powers is a doctrine that allocates governmental power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This design prevents any one branch from becoming too dominant.

Checks and balances help maintain an equilibrium within the government by allowing each branch to oversee and limit the actions of the others. This system is essential for preventing abuse of power.

Bicameralism refers to a legislative structure that consists of two houses, such as the Senate and the House of Representatives in the United States. This design contributes to a more balanced and deliberative lawmaking process.

The Supremacy Clause is a provision in the U.S. Constitution that establishes the federal law as the supreme law of the land. This clause ensures that state laws do not conflict with federal laws.

Judicial review is the power held by courts to invalidate laws and government actions that conflict with the Constitution. This function is a key component of the system of checks and balances in U.S. government.

Due process ensures that all legal proceedings are conducted fairly and that individuals have a chance to be heard before any deprivation of rights occurs. It is fundamental to protecting individual rights within the judicial system.

Enumerated powers are those specifically listed in the Constitution, clarifying what the federal government is authorized to do. This limitation is designed to prevent the federal government from overreaching its authority.

Implied powers allow the government to execute its constitutional duties even when those duties are not expressly listed. This flexibility is based on the Necessary and Proper Clause which supports effective governance.

The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments and is designed to safeguard individual freedoms. It provides essential protections against possible government overreach.

Gerrymandering is the practice of redrawing electoral districts to benefit a particular political party. This practice can skew representation and distort the democratic process.

Incumbency refers to the situation in which an individual already holds an elected office. Incumbents often enjoy advantages such as name recognition and existing support networks during elections.

Political efficacy measures the confidence citizens have in their ability to influence politics. It is a significant indicator of the health of a democracy and citizen engagement.

Pluralism recognizes the presence of diverse groups that hold different interests and opinions. This diversity is fundamental to encouraging debate and preventing any single group from monopolizing political power.

Logrolling is a common legislative practice where lawmakers trade support on different issues to secure necessary votes. This method can help pass legislation that might otherwise face significant opposition.

Judicial activism reflects a judicial approach where judges are more willing to interpret the Constitution to address contemporary issues, often leading to policy changes. In contrast, judicial restraint emphasizes limiting judicial power by adhering strictly to the text and original meaning of the Constitution.

The Necessary and Proper Clause gives Congress the authority to pass laws needed to execute its enumerated powers, thereby allowing the expansion of federal powers through implied means. It is a crucial element in the flexible application of constitutional authority.

Minoritarianism is concerned with safeguarding the rights and interests of minority groups to prevent the tyranny of the majority. Majoritarianism, on the other hand, emphasizes decision making based on what the majority of citizens prefer, sometimes at the expense of minority protections.

Constitutionalism ensures that government actions conform to a set of written rules and principles, which serve as a check on arbitrary power. It reinforces the idea that even those in power are bound by the law.

Gerrymandering undermines fair representation by redrawing district boundaries in a way that skews electoral results. This manipulation can lead to outcomes that do not accurately reflect the political will of the populace.