AP Gov Exam Vocabulary

Units 1-5

Separation of Powers

Each branch has different powers

Checks and Balances

Each branch can check on the others, prevents overreach

Federalism

is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states)

Republicanism

belief that government should be based on the consent of the governed

natural rights

Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness

Popular Sovereignty

principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives

Social Contract

People give up some of their rights, and the government protects all of the rights they do have

Limited Government

a governing body whose powers are restricted by law, usually in a constitution. It ensures that individual liberties are protected from government overreach.

Participatory Democracy

a system of democracy in which citizens engage actively in political decision-making and policy formation, emphasizing broad participation.

Pluralists Democracy

a form of democracy that recognizes the diversity of interests in society and advocates for multiple groups to have a voice in governance, ensuring that no single group dominates.

Elite Democracy

a model of democracy that prioritizes the influence of elite individuals or groups in political decision-making, often minimizing the role of average citizens.

Federalists

were a political group favoring a strong national/central government and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, advocating for a system of checks and balances.

Anti-Federalists

were opponents of a strong central government, advocating for states' rights and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution to protect individual liberties.

Factions

groups of individuals within a larger political entity who share a common interest or goal that is distinct from other groups.

Articles of Confederation

First constitution, very weak central government. States had all the power. Failed.

Shays’ Rebellion

an armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

The agreement made during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, combining elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey plans.

Bicameral System

A system of government with two separate chambers or houses, involved in the legislative process.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution for the United States, which elects the President and Vice President through a set number of votes per state.

3/5ths Compromise

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that determined that three-fifths of a state's slave population would be counted for representation and taxation purposes.

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments in constitution, basic rights of all citizens

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body brings charges against a government official, potentially leading to removal from office.

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government, by the Constitution, including the authority to tax, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments.

Commerce Clause

A provision in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to regulate trade and commerce among the states and with foreign nations.

10th Amendment

The amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Revenue Sharing

A distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments to fund public programs.

Block Grants

Funds provided by the federal government to state or local governments for broad purposes, allowing recipients flexibility in how to spend the money.

Categorical Grants

Funds given by the federal government to state or local governments for specific purposes, with strict limitations on how they can be used.

Mandates

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments to ensure compliance with federal laws.

Due Process Clause

A provision in the 14th Amendment that guarantees individuals the right to fair legal proceedings and ensures that laws are not applied in an arbitrary manner.

Equal Protection Clause

A provision in the 14th Amendment that requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all individuals, prohibiting discrimination.

14th Amendment

An amendment to the United States Constitution that addresses citizenship rights, privileges and immunities clause, and equal protection under the law, and was pivotal in civil rights legislation.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A provision in Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states, therefore reserved to the states and people (10th amendment)

Supremacy Clause

A clause in Article VI of the United States Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state laws. It establishes that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it are the supreme law of the land.

Constitutionalism

The principle that government is governed by a constitution, which sets limits on governmental power and protects individual rights.

Gerrymandering

The practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group, often resulting in unequal representation.

Two-Party System

Two major parties dominate the political landscape

Enumerated Powers of Congress

the powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution, including the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Implied Powers of Congress

the powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but are necessary to carry out the enumerated powers, allowing Congress to enact laws that enable its constitutional duties. ex) regulate commerce and the power to tax

Federal Budget

the government's plan for revenue and spending for a fiscal year, detailing how federal funds will be allocated across various programs and services.

Federal Agencies

governmental organizations responsible for enforcing laws and administering public programs, under the departments.

bureaucracy

A large administrative organization that carries out the day-to-day tasks of implementing and enforcing policies and laws

Committees

groups formed in Congress to review proposed legislation, conduct hearings, and oversee government functions.

Mandatory Spending

Refers to government spending that is required by existing law, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Pork Barrel Legislation

Legislation that allows representatives to bring money and funding for their districts through public works projects.

Apportionment

is the process of dividing the number of seats in the House of Representatives among the states based on population after each census.

Logrolling

the practice of exchanging favors, especially in politics, by reciprocal voting for each other's proposed legislation.

Partisanship

is a strong and often blind adherence to a political party, typically influencing legislative behavior and decision-making.

Redistricting

is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to ensure equal representation based on population changes, typically following a census.

Redlining

is the discriminatory practice of denying services—typically financial—to residents of certain areas based on their race or ethnicity.

Lame Duck President

is a politician, especially a president, in the final period of office after the election of a successor, often seen as having reduced power or effectiveness.

Delegate Model

is a model of political representation where elected officials act on the wishes and preferences of their constituents rather than their own personal views.

Trustee Model

is a model of political representation where elected officials make decisions based on their own judgment and conscience, prioritizing what they believe is in the best interest of their constituents rather than strictly following their preferences.

Politico Model

is a model of political representation that combines elements of both the delegate and trustee models, where elected officials balance the wishes of their constituents with their own judgment to make decisions.

Policy Agenda

is the set of issues, proposals, and legislative priorities that elected officials and policymakers prioritize for consideration and action, reflecting public concerns and political goals.

Veto

the power of the president to reject a decision or proposal made by congress.

Pocket Veto

occurs when the president takes no action on a bill for ten days, resulting in its automatic rejection if Congress is not in session.

Veto Override

the process by which Congress can reverse a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.

Foreign Policy

a government's strategy in dealing with other nations regarding diplomacy, trade, and military matters.

Commander-in-Chief

The role of the president as the supreme leader of the armed forces, responsible for military decisions and operations.

Enumerated Powers of President

The specific powers granted to the president by the U.S. Constitution, including the authority to execute federal laws, veto legislation, and command the military.

Implied Powers of President

Example, executive orders. They aren’t explicitly stated in the constitution, but help carry out enumerated powers.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government and implement laws.

Cabinet Members

Individuals appointed by the president to lead federal departments and advise on policy matters. They play a key role in the administration's decision-making process.

Ambassadors

Official representatives of a nation's government, sent to foreign countries to promote and protect national interests.

Executive Office of the President

(EOP) is a collection of agencies and offices that support the President of the United States in carrying out their duties

Senate Conformation

is the process by which the Senate approves presidential appointments, including Cabinet members and federal judges, ensuring a system of checks and balances.

Congressional Agenda

the specific policy issues and legislative priorities that are being considered and debated within Congress

22nd Amendment

is a constitutional amendment that limits an individual to two terms as President of the United States.

Stare Decisis

is a legal principle that dictates courts should follow precedents set by previous decisions when making rulings in similar cases.

Judicial Activism

refers to judicial rulings that are believed to be based on personal or political considerations rather than existing law. This approach often seeks to address social issues and advocate for change.

Judicial Restraint

Encourages judges to uphold laws and precedents.

Judicial Review

is the power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution, allowing them to invalidate laws and executive actions that contradict constitutional principles.

Precedent

is a legal decision from past cases that serves as an authoritative rule for future cases, guiding judges' decisions.

Judicial Appointments

are the process through which judges are selected and confirmed to serve on courts, often involving both executive and legislative branches.

Iron Triangles

are the stable, mutually beneficial relationships between interest groups, government agencies, and congressional committees that influence policy-making.

Issue Networks

dynamic alliances of various interest groups, government officials, and policy experts that form around specific policy issues

Civil Service

refers to the body of government employees who are hired based on merit and qualifications

Power of the Purse

is the ability of Congress to control government spending and taxation, playing a crucial role in influencing policy decisions.

Civil Rights

Making sure everyone has equal access to civil liberties.

Civil Liberties

are basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, protected from government interference.

1st Amendment

is a part of the Bill of Rights that protects freedoms including speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Establishment Clause

is a provision in the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over another.

Free Exercise Clause

is a provision in the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion as they see fit, free from government interference.

Symbolic Speech

is a legal term referring to actions that purposefully convey a particular message or statement to those viewing it, often protected under the First Amendment.

Defamation

is the act of making false statements about someone that damage their reputation, including slander (spoken) and libel (written).

Libel

is a form of defamation that involves making false written statements about an individual that can harm their reputation. (writing)

Slander

is a form of defamation involving false spoken statements about an individual that can harm their reputation. (orally)

Clear and Present Danger

is a legal doctrine used to determine when speech can be limited, stating that speech that incites imminent lawless action or creates a significant threat to public safety may be restricted.

Prior Restraint

refers to governmental action that prohibits speech or other expression before it can take place, often considered unconstitutional.

National Security

is the protection of a nation's safety and interests, especially from external threats or espionage, and often involves government measures to maintain stability and prevent harm.

2nd Amendment

protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms, ensuring individuals can own firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes.

8th Amendment

prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.

Selective Incorporation

Uses the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause to apply specific rights (from bill of rights) to the states.

Due Process Clause (14th amendment)

provides that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without a fair legal process. It ensures that states must respect all fundamental rights.

Due Process Clause (5th amendment)

Procedural due process rights refer to the legal procedures the government (federal) must follow before depriving an individual of life, liberty, or property.

Miranda Rule

requires law enforcement to inform individuals of their rights to silence and legal counsel during interrogation.

6th Amendment

provides for the rights of criminal defendants including the right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and legal representation.