AP Government: Unit 1 Vocabulary (Important List)

Federalism

A system where power is divided between national and state governments.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxation.

Delegated (Enumerated) Powers

Powers explicitly given to the federal government by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not written but inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Reserved Powers

Powers kept by the states under the 10th Amendment.

Police Powers

State authority to regulate health, safety, and morals.

National Supremacy (Supremacy Clause)

Federal law is the highest law of the land, overriding state law.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress power to regulate interstate commerce, often expands federal authority.

Necessary and Proper (Elastic) Clause

Allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out enumerated powers.

Compact Theory

The idea that states created the Union and can judge the constitutionality of federal actions.

Nullification

The belief that states can void federal laws they see as unconstitutional.

Selective Exclusiveness

Only Congress can regulate commerce requiring national, uniform rules.

Dual Federalism ('Layer Cake')

Federal and state governments remain separate with distinct powers.

Cooperative Federalism ('Marble Cake')

Federal and state governments share responsibilities and work together.

Fiscal Federalism

Federal government influences states through money (grants, aid, conditions).

New Federalism

Returning power from the federal government back to the states.

Devolution

The process of transferring powers from the federal government back to the states.

Grants-in-Aid

Federal funds given to states to carry out programs.

Categorical Grants

Money given to states for specific, narrowly defined purposes with conditions attached.

Block Grants

Money given to states with more flexibility for broad policy areas.

Revenue Sharing

Federal money distributed to states with no strings attached.

Conditions of Aid ('Strings')

Federal requirements states must meet to receive money.

Mandates

Federal requirements imposed on states, sometimes without funding.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must recognize each other’s laws, records, and court rulings.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens from other states.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Case that upheld national supremacy and implied powers; states can’t tax the federal bank.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Case that limited the Commerce Clause; Congress couldn’t ban guns in school zones.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

Event that showed federal government’s power to enforce laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

Federal mandate requiring public accommodations for people with disabilities.

Clean Air Act (1970)

Federal law regulating air pollution, with states carrying out enforcement.

No Child Left Behind Act (2002)

Federal education law requiring states to test students and meet standards.

USA PATRIOT Act (2001)

Expanded federal surveillance powers after 9/11, raising concerns over rights.

Federal Income Tax (16th Amendment)

Allowed federal government to directly tax income.

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. government; characterized by weak central power.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring separation from Britain based on natural rights.

Constitutional Preamble

Intro stating goals: unity, justice, defense, welfare, liberty.

Bill of Rights

First 10 Amendments protecting individual rights and limiting federal power.

Checks and Balances

Each branch limits the others to prevent abuse of power.

Separation of Powers

Government split into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Advice and Consent

Senate’s check on executive appointments and treaties.

Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison)

Court power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Two-Thirds Override

Congress can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote.

Veto

President’s power to reject a bill.

Pocket Veto

President lets a bill die by not signing at the end of a session.

Impeachment

Process to charge and remove officials for misconduct.

Electoral College

Indirect system for electing the president.

Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature: House by population, Senate equal representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Slaves counted as 3/5 for representation and taxation.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a strong national government with population-based representation.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal favoring equal state representation.

Grand Committee

Delegates who brokered the Great Compromise.

Popular Sovereignty

Government power comes from the people.

Republicanism

Citizens elect representatives to govern for them.

Representative Republic

Blend of democracy and republicanism; elected leaders make policy.

Social Contract

Legitimacy of government comes from agreement between rulers and the governed.

Natural Law

Rights derived from nature and reason, not government.

Elite Democracy

Small number of powerful people influence government decisions.

Pluralist Democracy

Many groups compete for influence in politics.

Participatory Democracy

Direct involvement of citizens in decision-making.

Strict Constructionist

Believes Constitution should be interpreted literally.

Federalists

Supported a strong central government and the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Feared central power; demanded a Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

Essays defending the Constitution written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

James Madison

Father of the Constitution, key Federalist, and author of the Bill of Rights.

House of Representatives

Chamber based on population; closer to the people.

Senate

Chamber with equal representation for states; more insulated.

Unitary Government

All power held by central government; no division like in federalism.