AP Gov Vocab 1

Enumerated Powers

Powers that are explicitly written in the Constitution and given to the federal government. (Example would be to raise an army.)

Limited Government

The United States Constitution restricts the power of the federal government.

Participatory Democracy

Emphasizes broad participation and an active role of citizens in politics and civil society.

Federalism

When power is distributed between the federal and state government. (Think about the relationship between state and federal government.)

Manadates

These require states to comply with a federal directive.

Categorial Grant

Money that is provided by the federal government for an initiative that comes with conditions or “stings”.

Implied Powers

An extension of the Elastic Clause that allows Congress the flexibility to make decisions that are necessary and proper.

Exclusive Powers

Powers are specifically granted to the federal government. (Example would be to try crimes like counterfeiting or mail fraud.)

Elite Democracy

Where a small group of education individuals are elected to make decisions that are best for society.

Popular Sovereignty

Defined as people being the source of governmental power and authority.

Republicanism

A representative form of government.

Revenue Sharing

When Congress collects federal tax money and distributes these funds to the states to take care of particular national concerns.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments. (Example would be to tax.)

Pluralist Democracy

Where decisions are made by factions of people who have a common interest.

Block Grants

Refers to federal money given to states for broadly defined reasons with no strings attached.