AP U.S. Government and Politics Study Guide

A collection of vocabulary terms and their definitions related to U.S. government and politics.

Foundations of American Democracy

The topic that covers the fundamental principles and ideas that form the foundation for U.S. governance.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens directly govern and make laws.

Representative Democracy

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf.

Natural Rights

Rights that exist in a 'state of nature,' identified by John Locke as life, liberty, and property.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that governmental power derives from the consent of the governed.

Social Contract Theory

The theory that people consent to be governed in exchange for protection and public goods.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States which established a national government with limited powers.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Federalism

The division of power between the national and state governments.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature divided into two houses, as established by the Great Compromise.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that outline individual rights.

Selective Incorporation Doctrine

The legal doctrine that ensures that the Bill of Rights applies to state laws through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at eliminating barriers to voting for African Americans.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence government policy and decision-making.

Lobbying

The act of attempting to influence government officials and legislative outcomes.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals learn and develop their political opinions.

Public Opinion Polling

The method of surveying public opinion through sampling.

Cognitive Dissonance

The psychological discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

Elitism

A theory stating that a small, elite group holds power and makes decisions in society.

Pluralism

The theory that multiple competing groups can coexist and influence government.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws and actions unconstitutional.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected from government infringement