Ap Gov Words

Pluralist

A pluralist believes that power, influence, and truth should be distributed among many different groups, ideologies, or perspectives rather than being held by a single source.

Ratify/Ratification

the action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid.

representative democracy

a system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.

tyranny 

cruel and oppressive government or rule.

Limited government

A belief that the government should have certain restrictions in order to protect the individual rights and civil liberties of citizens.

Popular sovereignty

the principle that a government's authority comes from the consent of the people it governs, who are the ultimate source of political power

Natural Rights

Fundamental liberties inherent to all humans

Social Contract

a philosophical and hypothetical agreement where individuals implicitly or explicitly give up some personal freedoms to a governing body in exchange for protection and order, creating a framework for the rights and duties of citizens and rulers

Republicanism

A political ideology that emphasizes the idea of a self-governing citizenry working toward a common public good, as opposed to the private rights of individuals prioritized by liberalism

separation of powers

divides government into three distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—to prevent any single entity from accumulating too much power and becoming tyrannical

Checks and Balances

counterbalancing influences by which an organization or system is regulated, typically those ensuring that political power is not concentrated in the hands of individuals or groups.

participatory democracy

a model of governance that emphasizes the active, direct, and broad involvement of citizens in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities.

pluralist democracy

a political system in which power is distributed among many diverse and competing groups rather than being concentrated in a single, dominant entity

elitist democracy

a political theory in which a small, wealthy, and well-educated group of individuals holds a disproportionate amount of power and influence over the government and its policies.

Bicameralism

two house legislation (Israel , India , mexico also have this)

Laws of nature

Life, Liberty, and property 

What are enumerated powers?

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution (mainly in Article I, Section 8)

What are implied powers?

Powers not explicitly stated but allowed under the Necessary and Proper Clause. Ex: creating a national bank

What is Federalism?

A system of government where power is divided between national and state governments. Promotes balance and prevents tyranny

What are Concurrent Powers?

Powers shared by both federal and states government

What are reserved powers, and where are they found?

Powers kept by the states under the 10th Amendment.

What are categorical grants?

Federal funds for specific purpise with strict condistions

What are block grants?

Federal funds given to states for broad purposes with fewer restrictions. This increases states flexibility 

What are Mandates on federalism 

Federal requirements that states must follow, sometimes without funding

What is the Commerce Clause , and why is it important?

Article I, Section 8 gives Congress power to regulate interstate commerce. Used to expand federal power — Limited by US V Lopez

What is the Supremacy Clause, and where is it found?

Article VI — federal law is the “supreme law of the land”. states can't override federal authority.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause ?

Article I, Section 8 — Congress can make laws needed to carry out it's powers. basis for implied powers, 

What was the 3/5 compromise ?

Agreement at the constitutional Convention that enslaved people would count as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation. Balanced power between North and South.

democracy

A system of government in which the power of the government is vested in the people, who rule directly or through elected representatives.

delegates

a person sent or authorized to represent others

What is the Electoral College and why was it created?

System made for electing presidents — voters choose electors who vote for president, Created as compromise between Congress and direct popular vote.

Who were the Anti-Federalists, and what did they believe 

Opposed the constitution; feared strong central government. Wanted a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.

Who were the Federalists, and what did they support?

Supported the constitution and strong national government. Beloved checks and balances would prevent tyranny.

lower house

House of Rep.

upper house

senate

congress

Legislative branch

Article one of the constitution describes what

the structure of the legislative branch

What are coalitions

Incumbency

Helps members stay in office once they are elected. Having the advantage of an incumbent; name recognition , access to free media

Redistricting

The process of redrawing congressional districts to reflect increase or decrease in seats allotted to the states, as well as population shift

Gerrymandering

The drawing of congressional districts to produce a particular electoral outcome without regard to the shape of the district.

Party Caucus (or conference)

A formal gathering of all party members

Minority party

The political party in each house with the second most members

Majority party

The political party in each house of Congress with the most members

Speaker of the House

The only officer of the House of Representatives specifically mentioned in the constitution; the chambers must powerful position; traditionally a member of the majority party. (chambers most powerful position. 

whip

Party leader who keeps close contact with all members of his or her party, takes vote counts on key legislation, prepares summaries of bills, and acts as a communication link within a party.

President Pro tempore/ pro tem

The official chair of the senate; usually the most senior member of the majority party. Takes care of Senate in the absence of the president

Presiding officer

The vice president of the untied States (votes only if there’s a tie)

Majority Leader

The true leader of the senate. Still not as powerful as the speaker of the house

Standing committee is..

The first and last place to which most bills will go

What are the four different committees?

Standing, Joint, conference, and select (or special) committees.

Standing committee

Those of which bills are referred to for consideration.

Issues roughly parallel to those of the departments in the president’s cabinet.

Joint Committee