AP US Government Unit 1 Vocab

Natural Rights

Inherent entitlements that every individual possesses by virtue of being human, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Limited Government

A principle where the power of the government is restricted by a constitution or laws. It ensures that the government does not have absolute authority and respects individual rights and freedoms.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among individuals in a society, where they give up certain rights and freedoms in exchange for protection and benefits provided by the government.

Federalism

System of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional governments.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that political power rests with the people, who have the right to govern themselves and make decisions through voting and participation in the democratic process.

Representative Democracy

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

Pluralist Democracy

A political system where power is distributed among multiple groups and individuals. It allows for diverse opinions, competition among various interest groups, and protection of minority rights. Group membership key to political power. Encourages elected officials to make decisions on group’s behalf. Requires more activity from citizens. Ex. NRA, lobbyists

Participatory Democracy

A system of government where citizens actively participate in decision-making and policy development through voting, debates, and public discussions. Citizens vote on each major issue - requires lots of effort, time, and knowledge by the citizens - AKA direct democracy - Exists in small town hall meets and popular in colonial days. Ex. BLM movement

Elite Democracy

A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of wealthy and influential individuals who make decisions on behalf of the entire population. Ex. Electoral College

Federalists

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution and a strong central government. Advocated for ratification of the Constitution and believed in a balanced system of government with power divided between the national and state levels. Led by Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, James Madison. Wrote Federalist Papers. Thought Bill of Rights unnecessary and redundant as it was already outlined in Constiutution as Writ of Habeas Corpus, Bills of Attainder, and Ex Post Facto Laws.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the U.S. Constitution who favored stronger state governments and were concerned about the lack of individual rights protection. Wanted Bill of Rights.

Shay’s Rebellion

Armed uprising in Massachusetts, 1786-1787. Led by Daniel Shays, American Revolutionary War veteran. Farmers protested high taxes, debt, and foreclosures. Exposed weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and highlighted the need for a stronger central government. Influenced the push for the Constitutional Convention and the creation of the United States Constitution.

Constitutional Convention

Event where delegates from the 13 colonies gathered in 1787 in Philadelphia, originally to edit the Articles of Confederation. Ended up scrapping it and making the US Constitution instead. George Washington was presiding officer.

3/5 Compromise

Agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, stating that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for determining a state's population and representation in Congress.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was a proposal during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It suggested a bicameral legislature with representation based on both population (House of Representatives) and equal representation for each state (Senate). Combined Virginia and New Jersey plans.

Introduced 3/5 Compromise, Electoral College. Made House of Reps investigate presidential crimes, Senate tries president for crimes with Chief Justice presiding

Ratification

The formal approval of a decision or agreement, usually done by a vote. It gives official recognition and binding power to the decision or agreement.

Electoral College

The system used in the United States to elect the President and Vice President, where each state is assigned a number of electors based on its representation in Congress (# of electors = # of members of Congress). These electors then vote for the President and Vice President.

Separation of Powers

Each branch has its own functions. The Executive Branch executes and implements laws, the Legislative Branch creates and enacts laws, Judicial Branch interprets laws and the Constitution. Checks and balances ensures each branch does not overreach their power.

Checks and Balances

System in which power is distributed among different branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. It ensures that each branch has the ability to limit the actions of the other branches, promoting accountability and preventing abuses of power.

The checks and balances within the federal government include:

1. The President can veto legislation passed by Congress.

2. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote.

3. The Supreme Court can declare laws passed by Congress or actions taken by the President as unconstitutional.

4. The President appoints federal judges, but the Senate must confirm those appointments.

5. Congress has the power to impeach and remove the President or other federal officials.

6. The President can negotiate treaties, but they require Senate approval.

7. Congress controls the budget and can refuse to fund certain executive actions.

8. The President can pardon individuals convicted of federal crimes, except in cases of impeachment.

Impeachment

The process by which a government official, such as a president, is accused of wrongdoing and ***may*** be removed from office through a formal legal procedure.

Removal

Removal refers to the process of ousting a President from office. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution that are granted to the federal government. Examples include the power to coin money, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Block Grants

A type of funding provided by the government to states or local governments for a specific purpose, which allows them flexibility in how the funds are allocated and spent.”

Exclusive Powers

Powers that are specifically given to the federal government or state governments, but not shared between them. These powers are outlined in the U.S. Constitution and include the authority to declare war, regulate mail, establish inferior courts, and raise an army.

Reserved Powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved for the states or the people. Examples include conducting elections, establishing local government, ratifying amendments, and regulating interstate commerce.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants given to state and local governments for specific purposes, with strict guidelines on how the funds should be used. (90% of federal grants).

There are 2 types of Categorical Grants:

• Project Grants - States apply and explain why the grant is necessary

• Formula Grants - Equation used to see if state qualifies for grant

Concurrent Powers

Powers held by both the federal and state governments. Examples include taxation, enacting and enforcing legislation, eminent domain, borrowing money, establishing courts.

Revenue Sharing

A system where the government distributes a portion of its revenue to lower levels of government, such as states or municipalities, to fund public services and projects.

Mandates

Policies or regulations imposed by the federal government on states, requiring them to take specific actions or meet certain standards. Mandates are usually unfunded.

14th Amendment

Grants equal protection under the law and due process to all citizens, regardless of race, color, or previous servitude.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties. Allows flexibility in interpreting the Constitution's enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states and with foreign nations. It ensures a unified economic system and prevents trade barriers between states.

Supremacy Clause

A provision in the US Constitution that establishes the US Constitution and federal law as the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws when there is a conflict.