AP US Government & Politics Killer Vocabulary

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms from the AP U.S. Government and Politics course, providing definitions for essential terms that students need to understand for their exam.

Bully Pulpit

The president's use of his or her prestige and visibility to push an agenda or enthuse the American public.

Veto

A formal decision to reject a bill passed by Congress.

White House Office

Led by the Chief of Staff, this staff of the president oversees policy interests and does not need Senate confirmation.

EOP (Executive Office of the President)

The cluster of presidential staff agencies that help the president carry out his responsibilities.

Platform

Statement of purpose and policy objectives drafted and approved by a political party at its national convention.

Electoral College

A group of representatives from each U.S. state who formally elect the President and Vice President.

Party Machine

A group of people who control a political party, often through loyalty and rewards.

State of the Union

The president's annual statement to Congress and the nation.

Divided Government

Governance divided between the parties, especially when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress.

Conference Committee

A committee appointed by the leaders of each chamber to settle differences on a particular bill passed by each house in different form.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically granted to national government in the Constitution.

Big Tent

A political party that seeks to attract people with a broad spectrum of viewpoints.

Red tape

Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures to get something done.

Turnout

The proportion of the voting age public that votes.

Exit Poll

A poll taken at selected polling places after citizens have placed their votes.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review a decision made by a lower court.

Political Efficacy

An indication of a citizen’s trust in government and belief they can influence political affairs.

Litmus Test

An examination of the political ideology of a nominated judge.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court has selectively applied the Bill of Rights to state law.

Majority Opinion

A signed statement presenting the views of the majority of Supreme Court justices.

Political Culture

A set of basic values and beliefs about a country or government shared by most citizens.

Amicus Curiae Brief

A 'friend of the court' brief filed to present arguments in addition to those presented by the parties in a case.

14th Amendment

An amendment declaring all citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law.

Political Socialization

The process by which people develop their political identity and values.

Rule of Law

A principle that all people are treated equally and consistently under the law.

Spin

Providing an interpretation of an event or campaign to influence public opinion.

Separation of Powers

The constitutional division of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Pluralism

The existence of multiple interest groups competing for influence.

Bicameralism

A legislature consisting of two houses.

Reserved Powers

Powers not specifically delegated to the national government, left to the states.

Mandate

A directive from the national government ordering states to do something.

Marble Cake

A system in which states and the national government share powers and responsibilities.

Devolution

Transferring responsibility for policies from federal to state and local governments.

Popular Sovereignty

The belief that ultimate power resides in the people.

Referendum

A process where a policy issue is sent to voters for approval.

Checks & Balances

A system ensuring no branch of government dominates another.

Grassroots

Ideas that emerge from common citizens to influence the government.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state/local governments.

Power to Persuade

A president’s ability to convince others to support their agenda.

Block Grants

Federal money given to states with few restrictions.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws.

Elastic Clause

The clause outlining Congress's implied powers.

Supremacy Clause

A doctrine stating that national government prevails over state actions in case of conflict.

Legitimacy

The generally accepted right of a government to rule.

Connecticut Compromise

An agreement for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the lower house.

Direct Primary

An election where voters choose party nominees.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the president that has the force of law.

Cleavages

Factors that separate groups in politics.

Motor Voter Law

An act allowing voters to register at motor vehicle departments.

Honeymoon

The initial period of positive relations for a new president.

Realigning Election

An election in which a party gains power by building a new coalition.

Hard Money

Political contributions limited in amount and disclosed.

Soft Money

Unlimited and undisclosed political party contributions for building purposes.

SuperPacs

Political organizations that may raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate with parties or candidates.

Coattail Effect

The boost candidates receive from the popularity of others above them on the ballot.

501(c)4s

Social welfare organizations engaging in political activities with unlimited funds.

Horse Race

A focus on who is ahead in a contest rather than substantive differences.

Free Rider

An individual who benefits from a group's influence without joining it.

Lobbying

Activities aimed at influencing public officials and policies.

Revolving Door

The cycle of individuals moving between government jobs and interest groups.

Iron Triangle

A policy-making alliance beneficial to Congress members, bureaucrats, and interest groups.

Litigation

Legal proceedings aimed at achieving a positive ruling for one's cause.

Issue Network

A relationship among groups and individuals promoting a single issue in policy.

Delegates

People awarded based on primary results who must vote for their pledged candidate.

Incumbent

The current holder of an elected office.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries for advantage.

Earmarks

Special spending projects set aside for individual Congress members.

Cloture

A procedure to terminate debate in the Senate.

Standing Committee

A permanent legislative committee focusing on broad policy areas.

Logrolling

Legislators support each other's proposals in exchange for support.

Closed Rule

A procedure limiting debate and amendments in the House.

Franking Privilege

The ability of Congress members to send mail free to constituents.

Electoral Mandate

The perception that an election victory signals broad support for policies.

Pyramid Structure

A clear chain of command in an organization, ensuring orderly information flow.

Circular Structure

When assistants report directly to the president, risking confusion.

Lame Duck Period

A time when a politician's influence wanes after losing reelection.

Entitlements

Government benefits guaranteed by law to qualifying individuals.

Oversight

Congress's monitoring of bureaucracy to ensure policy administration.

Judicial Restraint

The philosophy that judges should only strike down actions violating the Constitution.

Writ of Certiorari

An order notifying a lower court that a case will be heard on appeal.

Stare Decisis

The principle that courts should adhere to previous rulings.

Prior Restraint

Censorship of news material before publication.

Due Process Clause

Part of amendments ensuring individuals' legal protections.

Exclusionary Rule

The requirement to exclude illegally obtained evidence from trials.

De Facto Segregation

Segregation resulting from factors like housing patterns, not law.

Strict Scrutiny

A test applied to laws denying equal protection if not serving a compelling state interest.

Majoritarian Politics

Political setup to follow majority preferences.

Monetary Policy

Government policy regulating the economy by managing the money supply and interest rates.

Fiscal Policy

Government policy managing the economy by controlling taxes and spending.

Expressed Powers

Powers specifically assigned to federal government branches.

Implied Powers

Powers interpreted from the Constitution that are not explicitly listed.

Inherent Powers

Powers that arise from the existence of the national government.

Polarization

Intense division on issues making compromise difficult.

Frontloading

The trend among states to schedule primaries early for media attention.

Merit System

The system developed for hiring based on qualifications rather than political connections.

Precedent

A legal principle established in previous court cases used as a standard in future cases.

Judicial Activism

The philosophy that the Supreme Court should actively shape policies.

Senatorial Courtesy

The custom of getting approval from senators for judicial appointees from their states.

Apportioning

Dividing how many representatives each state gets based on census.