AP U.S. Government & Politics: Key Concepts and Terms Review

Realigning election

when major voter groups switch their political party support, changing the balance of power between parties for many years. Example: When the South switched from Democratic to Republican in the late 1900s.

Main function of political parties in the United States

To help organize voters, nominate candidates, and win elections to control government.

Party dealignment

when people stop identifying strongly with a political party. It shows that voter loyalty to parties is weakening.

Divided government

One party controls the presidency while the other controls Congress, causing more conflict and gridlock.

Party machines

They gave jobs, money, or favors to voters in exchange for votes and political loyalty.

Impact of third parties on U.S. politics

They can bring new ideas, influence major parties' platforms, and take votes away from major candidates.

National party convention

Delegates officially nominate the party's presidential candidate and create the party platform.

Necessary and proper clause

The 'necessary and proper' clause is also called the elastic clause.

Gerrymandering

It's when voting district lines are drawn to favor one party. It's controversial because it can weaken fair representation.

Senate's main difference from the House

The Senate can approve treaties and confirm presidential appointments.

Cloture vote

To end a filibuster in the Senate and move to a final vote (needs 60 votes).

Purpose of congressional oversight

To monitor and check how the executive branch and agencies carry out laws.

House Rules Committee

It decides how and when bills will be debated and voted on in the House.

Chamber that can initiate revenue bills

The House of Representatives.

War Powers Resolution

It limits the president's ability to send troops into combat without Congress's approval.

Chief legislator's influence on Congress

The president can suggest bills, use the veto, and speak publicly to push for policies.

Executive agreements vs treaties

Executive agreements don't need Senate approval; treaties do.

bully pulpit

It means the president's power to use the media and speeches to shape public opinion.

formal power of the president

The power to veto bills passed by Congress.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

It helps prepare the president's budget and reviews government spending.

judicial review

The power of courts to decide if laws or actions are constitutional.

stare decisis

It means 'let the decision stand' — courts follow past rulings or precedents.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

It established the principle of judicial review.

writ of certiorari

An order from the Supreme Court agreeing to hear a case from a lower court.

rule of four

At least four Supreme Court justices must agree to hear a case.

judicial activism

When judges use their power to promote new social or political ideas through rulings.

federal judges' term

For life, unless they retire or are removed.

Electoral College flaw

A candidate can win the presidency without winning the popular vote.

soft money

Money given to political parties (not specific candidates) for general purposes, like voter drives.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

It allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on political ads.

primary election

To choose each party's candidate for the general election.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

PACs collect and donate money to help elect candidates who support their interests.

voter turnout

During presidential elections.

iron triangle

Congressional committees, interest groups, and government agencies.

discretionary spending

Spending the government can choose to change each year — for example, defense or education funding.

fiscal policy

It's how the government uses taxes and spending to control economic growth.

Clean Air Act

An example of environmental policy.

federal bureaucracy

To carry out and enforce federal laws and regulations.

regulatory agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).