AP GOV VOCAB 2

Amendment

An article added to the U.S. Constitution or a minor change to a document.

Anti-Federalists

People who opposed the Constitution because they believed it would weaken states and threaten individual rights.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. Constitution, which created a national legislature but gave most power to the states.

bankruptcy

A condition where a person or organization cannot pay their debts.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution that protect basic rights and freedoms.

bills of attainder

Laws that declare a person guilty of a crime without a trial.

checks and balances

A system that limits government power by allowing each branch to restrict the powers of the other branches.

coin money

The authority to create or print money.

confederation

An organization of states or groups that unite for a common purpose while keeping much of their own power.

Connecticut Compromise

A compromise that created two houses of Congress: the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with two representatives per state.

Consent of the Governed

The idea that government gets its authority from the people.

constitution

A nation's basic law that creates government institutions, divides powers, and protects citizens' rights.

counterfeit

Something made to look like the real thing in order to deceive people, especially fake money or documents.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document that stated the American colonies' grievances against Britain and declared independence.

delegate

A legislator who represents and follows the preferences of their constituents.

diplomacy

The skill or practice of managing relationships between countries.

Electoral College

A system in which electors chosen by each state formally select the president.

Equal Rights Amendment

A proposed amendment stating that equal rights under the law cannot be denied based on sex; it failed to gain enough state ratifications.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that makes an act illegal after it was already committed or increases its punishment after the act occurred.

factions

Groups of people with shared interests, often based on wealth or property, that can influence government and cause political conflict.

Federalist Papers

A collection of 85 essays by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay supporting the Constitution.

foreclosure

The process of taking back property because the owner has not paid the money owed.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to decide whether laws or government actions are constitutional.

legislation

A law or set of laws made by a government.

levy (taxes)

To officially require and collect money, such as taxes, from people or businesses.

limited government

The idea that government power should have restrictions to protect people's natural rights.

Natural Rights

Rights that all people are born with, such as life, liberty, and property.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal that called for equal representation for each state in Congress regardless of population.

Parliament

A lawmaking body in some governments, especially the British government.

piracy

The illegal copying or use of someone else's product or invention without permission.

ratify

To officially approve an agreement, treaty, or law by signing or voting for it.

republic

A government in which people choose representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf.

revolution

A usually violent attempt by people to overthrow a government and create a new one.

separation of powers

The division of government power among different branches so that no single branch has all the power.

Shays' Rebellion

A series of attacks on courthouses by farmers led by Daniel Shays to stop foreclosure proceedings.

tariff

A tax on goods brought into a country.

treason

The crime of trying to overthrow one's government or helping the country's enemies during war.

tyranny

A government in which one person has complete or nearly complete power.

Virginia Plan

A proposal that called for representation in Congress to be based on each state's population.

writ of habeas corpus

A court order requiring officials to explain why they are holding a prisoner.