AP Government – Unit 1A Condensed Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapters 1, 10, 11, 12, and Foundational Documents for AP Government.

Politics

The process of deciding who gets power, resources, and influence.

Government

Institutions and processes used to make and enforce laws.

Natural Rights

Basic rights people have simply because they are human.

Social Contract

Agreement where people give government power in exchange for protection.

Democracy

Government in which political power comes from the people.

Direct vs. Representative Democracy

Direct: citizens make decisions themselves. Representative: citizens elect officials to decide for them.

Republicanism

Citizens elect representatives who govern under the rule of law.

Inalienable Rights

Fundamental rights that cannot legitimately be taken away.

Liberty

Freedom from unreasonable government restrictions.

Participatory Model

Democracy works best when citizens actively participate.

Pluralism Model

Political power is shared among competing interest groups.

Civil Society Groups

Voluntary organizations outside government that promote civic participation.

Elitism Model

A small group of powerful people has disproportionate political influence.

Political Institutions

Structures such as Congress, the presidency, courts, and parties.

Constitutional Republic

Elected representatives govern under a constitution that limits power.

Political Culture

Shared beliefs and values about government and politics.

Individualism

Belief in individual freedom and personal responsibility.

Equality of Opportunity

Everyone should have an equal chance to succeed.

Free Enterprise

Individuals and businesses have freedom to own, compete, and make economic decisions.

Laissez-Faire

Government takes a very limited role in the economy.

Rule of Law

Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.

Limited Government

Government power is restricted by laws and constitutional rules.

Political Socialization

Process through which people develop political beliefs.

Political Ideology (Chapter 10)

Set of beliefs about government, politics, society, and the economy.

Life Cycle Effect

Political attitudes can change as people move through life stages.

Generational Effect

Major events experienced by a generation can shape its political views.

Mercantilism

Economic system emphasizing exports, restricted imports, and government-regulated trade.

Invisible Hand

Markets can benefit society when individuals pursue their own economic interests.

Globalization

Growing economic, political, and cultural connections among countries.

Outsourcing

Hiring another company, often abroad, to perform work or produce goods.

Public Opinion

Collective attitudes and beliefs about political issues and government.

Scientific Poll

Poll using statistical methods and a carefully selected sample.

Sample

Smaller group selected to represent a larger population.

Random Sample

Each population member has a known chance of selection.

Representative Sample

Sample that closely matches the characteristics of the population.

Margin of Error

Range showing how much poll results may differ from the true population views.

Weighting

Adjusting poll results so the sample better matches the population.

Entrance Survey

Survey of people entering a voting location.

Exit Poll

Survey of people after they vote.

Benchmark Poll

Initial poll establishing a starting point for measuring opinion.

Mass Survey

Survey collecting opinions from many people.

Tracking Poll

Repeated poll measuring changes in opinion over time.

Straw Poll

Informal, non-scientific poll.

Random Digit Dialing

Randomly generating phone numbers to select potential respondents.

Question Order

Sequence of questions, which can influence later answers.

Question Wording

Specific language of a question, which can influence responses.

Focus Group

Small group discussing opinions about an issue, product, candidate, or policy.

Gender Gap

Difference in political attitudes or voting behavior between men and women.

Nonresponse Bias

Bias when nonrespondents differ significantly from respondents.

Voluntary Response Bias

Bias when people choose themselves to participate, often overrepresenting strong opinions.

Right

Political side generally associated with tradition and more conservative positions.

Privilege

Special advantage or benefit available to a person or group.

Political Ideology (Chapter 12)

Connected beliefs about how government and society should operate.

Liberal Ideology

Generally supports government action to address inequality and protect rights.

Conservative Ideology

Generally emphasizes tradition, individual responsibility, and gradual change.

Libertarian Ideology

Emphasizes individual freedom and limited government in economic and personal matters.

Political Polarization

Increasing division between political groups.

Party Identification

Long-term attachment or connection to a political party.

Political Spectrum

Organization of political beliefs based on differences in government and economic views.

Demographics

Statistical characteristics such as age, income, education, and location.

Laissez-Faire Economy

Economy with minimal government involvement.

Command-and-Control Economy

Government makes major decisions about production, prices, and distribution.

Mixed Economy

Combines private markets with government regulation and intervention.

GDP

Total value of goods and services produced within a country.

Monetary Policy

Policy controlling money supply and interest rates, mainly through the Federal Reserve.

Fiscal Policy

Government use of spending and taxation to influence the economy.

Federal Reserve

U.S. central banking system responsible for monetary policy and related functions.

CPI

Measure of average changes in consumer prices for selected goods and services.

Monetary Theory

Theory that money supply changes can affect economic activity and prices.

Keynesian Theory

Theory emphasizing government intervention to influence economic activity.

Supply-Side Theory

Theory emphasizing production, investment, and growth through policies such as lower taxes or less regulation.

Medicare

Federal health insurance mainly for people 65+ and certain younger eligible people.

Medicaid

Federal-state health insurance program for eligible low-income people.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

2010 law expanding health insurance access and regulating insurance practices.

School Choice

Policies giving families different educational options.

Economic Recession

Significant decline in economic activity affecting production, income, jobs, and spending.

Unemployment Rate

Percentage of the labor force actively seeking work without a job.

Inflation

Sustained increase in overall prices, reducing purchasing power.

Declaration of Independence

1776 document declaring independence and emphasizing natural rights and consent of the governed.

The Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith's 1776 work explaining free markets, specialization, competition, and self-interest.