AP U.S. Government and Politics Review

9/11

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the wWorld Trade Center and the Pentagon, leading to significant changes in U.S. domestic and foreign policies

John Adams

Second U.S. president (1797 - 1801), a Federalist, and a key figure in the American Revolution, known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence

affirmative action

Government mandated programs that seek to create special employment opportunities for minorities, women, and other victims of past discrimination

amendment

addition to the constitution. they require approval by 2/3 of both houses of Congress and ¾ of the states. first 10 make up the Bill of Rights

amicus curiae briefs

“friend of the court” briefs that qualified individuals or organizations file with lawsuits to which they are not a party, so the judge may consider their advice in respect to matters of law that directly affect the cases in question

anti-federalist

opponents of the U.S. constitution during its ratification period, expressing concerns about a strong central government and advocating for the protection of individuals and states’ rights

article III of the U.S.

outlines the role of the judicial branch, establishing the Supreme Court and granting Congress the power to create lower federal courts, defining their jurisdictions

article v of the U.S. constitution

describes the amendment process, allowing changes to the constitution through proposal by 2/3 of congress or stat conventions and ratification by ¾ of states