US AP Gov and Politics

U.S. Constitution

The document that establishes the structure of the U.S. government.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 Amendments in the Constitution.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making federal laws.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that enforces laws through executive power.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets laws to ensure they are constitutional.

Congress

The two chambers of the U.S. legislature, which are the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senators and Representatives

Each state has 2 Senators; Representatives are based on population.

Senator's term

6 years.

Representative's term

2 years.

President

The head of the executive branch.

Presidential term

4 years.

Maximum terms for President

2 terms.

Vice President

The person who becomes President if the President can no longer serve.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States.

Supreme Court justices

There are 9 justices on the Supreme Court.

Tenure of Supreme Court justices

They serve for life (or until retirement or removal).

Democrat and Republican

The two main U.S. political parties.

Conservative ideologies

Pro-life, anti-gun laws, privatization of healthcare, less taxation.

Liberal ideologies

Pro-choice, pro-gun laws, universal healthcare, higher taxes for government programs.