AP GOV NOTES Unit 1 (class notes)

Unitary Government

A system where all power is held by the central government, with little or no power assigned to local governments.

Confederate Government

A system where power is decentralized, and member states maintain the majority of authority, often leaving the confederation at will.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy where people vote directly on laws and policies.

Initiative

A process that allows citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments through petitions.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of laws.

Participatory Government

A governmental system emphasizing widespread participation in politics and civil society.

Pluralistic Democracy

A democracy that recognizes a diversity of interests and groups in the policymaking process, allowing for competition among these groups.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Checks and Balances

A principle of government under which separate branches are empowered to prevent actions by other branches and are induced to share power.

Expressed Powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

Supremacy Clause

A clause in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Nullification

The idea that states have the right to nullify or invalidate any federal law which they deem unconstitutional.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

A landmark case affirming that Congress has the sole power to regulate interstate commerce.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A Supreme Court case that established federal supremacy and confirmed the implied powers of Congress.

Block Grants

Federal funds provided to states for broad purposes, giving them flexibility in how to spend the funds.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to states with specific conditions or requirements attached.

Federal Grant

Monies given by the federal government to state or local governments for specific purposes.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from a central government to local or regional governments.

New Federalism

A political philosophy that seeks to return certain powers and responsibilities to the states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that allowed slaves to be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.