AP GOV Vocabulary I

Chapters 1 and 2

unalienable

A human right based on nature or God. These rights cannot be taken away or denied.

Articles of Confederation

A weak constitution that governed America during the Revolutionary War. It established a confederation of sovereign states with a limited central government, which created significant challenges for national governance.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 that produced a new constitution. It was convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and to create a stronger federal government.

Shays’s Rebellion

A 1787 rebellion in which ex-Revolutionary War soldiers attempted to prevent foreclosures of farms as a result of high interest rates and taxes. It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger federal government.

Virginia Plan

Proposal to create a strong national government. It suggested a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population, along with an executive and judicial branch.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal to create a weak national government. It called for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of population, and aimed to amend rather than replace the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

Plan to have a popularly elected House based on state population and a state-selected Senate, with two members for each state. It resolved the conflict between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans by establishing a bicameral legislature.

republic

A government in which elected representatives make the decisions. It contrasts with direct democracy, as citizens elect officials to represent their interests.

judicial review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional. Judicial review allows the judiciary to assess the legality of legislative acts and executive actions, ensuring they align with the Constitution.

federalism

Government authority shared by national and local governments. It allows for a division of powers, ensuring multiple levels of government can coexist and operate independently.

enumerated powers

Powers given to the national government alone. These powers are specifically listed in the Constitution, granting the federal government authority over areas such as taxation, defense, and regulation of interstate commerce.

reserved powers

Powers given to the state government alone. These are not expressly listed in the Constitution and include areas such as education, police powers, and local governance.

concurrent powers

Powers shared by the national and state governments. These powers include the ability to tax, build roads, and create lower courts, allowing both levels of government to operate in specific areas.

separation of powers

Sharing of constitutional authority by multiple branches of government. This principle divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power, typically into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

checks and balances

Constitutional ability of multiple branches of government to limit each other’s power. This system ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful, promoting a balance of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

faction

A group with a distinct political interest. Factions can arise within larger political parties or interest groups, often competing for influence and resources. They may promote specific agendas that may not align with the broader public interest.

Federalists

Those who favor a stronger national government. Federalists supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, advocating for a system of governance that balanced power between the national and state governments.

Antifederalists

Those who favor a weaker national government. Antifederalists opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, arguing that a strong national government would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty.

coalition

An alliance of groups. A coalition is formed to achieve common goals or to gain influence, often seen in political contexts where different factions collaborate.

habeas corpus

An order to produce an arrested person before a judge. It is a legal principle that protects individuals from unlawful detention and ensures the right to a fair trial.

bill of attainder

A law that declares a person, without a trial, to be guilty of a crime. This type of legislation is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, as it violates the principles of due process and protects individuals from arbitrary government action.

ex post facto law

A law that makes an act criminal even though the act was legal when it was committed. It prohibits retroactive prosecution and is unconstitutional in the U.S.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments guarantee essential rights and liberties to individuals, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protection against governmental abuses.

line-item veto

An executive’s ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature. This power allows the executive to selectively reject specific provisions without vetoing the entire bill, although it has been ruled unconstitutional for federal legislation.

sovereignty

The ultimate political author in a system. Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority a state has over its territory and the ability to govern itself without external interference.

unitary system

A system of government where sovereignty is fully vested in the national government, not the states. In a unitary system, the central government holds the primary power and authority, making decisions that affect the entire nation. Local governments may exist but operate at the discretion of the national government.

confederation or confederal system

A system of government where state governments are sovereign, and the national government can do only what the states permit. This arrangement emphasizes a weak national government that derives its authority from the states, which maintain their independence and power.

federal system

A system of government where the national and state governments share sovereignty. In a federal system, power is divided between the two levels of government, allowing each to operate independently within their respective spheres of authority.

“necessary and proper” clause

Section of the Constitution allowing Congress to pass all laws “necessary and proper” to its duties, and that has permitted Congress to exercise powers not specifically given to it (enumerated) by the Constitution.This clause is also known as the Elastic Clause, enabling Congress to adapt its powers to meet the needs of a changing society.

nullification

The doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the state’s opinion, violates the Constitution. This concept is rooted in the belief that states have the right to contest the legality of federal legislation, asserting their authority in matters of constitutional interpretation.

dual federalism

Doctrine holding that the national government is supreme in its sphere, the states are supreme in theirs, and the two spheres should be kept separate. This concept emphasizes a clear distinction between the powers and responsibilities of the national and state governments, often referred to as "layered cake" federalism.

cooperative federalism

Idea that the federal and state governments share power in many policy areas. This approach encourages collaboration between different levels of government, often resulting in shared programs and resources to address complex social and economic issues.

laboratories of democracy

Idea that different states can implement different policies, and the successful ones will spread.

initiative

Process that permits voters to put legislative measures directly on the ballot. This allows citizens to propose and vote on laws or amendments, thereby participating directly in the legislative process.

referendum

Procedure enabling voters to reject a measure passed by the legislature. This process allows citizens to decide on specific policy issues directly, often through a vote, rather than leaving it solely to elected representatives.

recall

Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office. This process allows citizens to petition for a special election to decide whether to remove the official before the next scheduled election.

grants-in-aid

Money given by the national government to the states. These funds are typically designated for specific projects or programs, allowing states to address particular needs or priorities.

categorical grants

Federal grants for specific purposes, such as building an airport. These grants are provided to states and localities for defined projects, requiring compliance with specific federal guidelines.

conditions of aid

Terms set by the national government that states must meet if they are to receive certain federal funds. These conditions often relate to specific areas such as education or healthcare policies, influencing state actions to align with federal standards.

mandates

Terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants. These mandates can impose requirements in various areas, compelling states to comply with federal standards in policies like education, transportation, and environmental protection.

waiver

A decision by an administrative agency granting some other party permission to violate a law or rule that would otherwise apply to it. This grant is often used to allow exemptions or modifications to regulations for specific circumstances.

devolution

The transfer of power from the national government to state and local governments. This process often aims to enhance the autonomy of states, enabling them to handle certain policies and programs independently.