American Government Terms and Concepts Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to American Government.

Natural Rights

Life, liberty, and property as defined by John Locke.

14th Amendment

Guarantees equal protection of the laws to all citizens.

Montesquieu

Promoted the separation of government into three branches.

Rousseau

Believed that people are inherently good; if laws are written, they will follow them.

Autocracy

A system of government by one person with absolute power.

Oligarchy

A government ruled by a small group of people.

Democracy

A system of government in which the people have the power to make decisions.

Republic

An indirect democracy where elected representatives make decisions.

Anarchy

Absence of government.

Limited Government

A government structure in which actions are limited by law.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Insufficient federal power and excessive state power, exemplified by Shay's Rebellion.

Connecticut Compromise

Established a two-house legislature.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Determined that slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

Federalists

Those who favored the Constitution and a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Those who opposed the Constitution, fearing it threatened individual rights.

Conservatives

Those who prefer a smaller government.

Liberals

Those who prefer a larger government.

Federalist Paper #10

Warned about the dangers of factions.

Federalist Paper #51

Discussed the need for checks and balances.

Incorporation Doctrine

The process by which the Bill of Rights is applied to the states.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

1st Amendment

Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition.

4th Amendment

Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

The right to remain silent and protection against double jeopardy, ensuring due process.

6th Amendment

Right to a fair and speedy trial.

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

10th Amendment

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

Powers

Expressed, implied, inherent, concurrent, reserved.

Expressed Powers

Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly mentioned but inferred from the Constitution.

Inherent Powers

Powers that the government has just by being a government.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by federal and state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are strictly for state governments.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from promoting a specific religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects citizens' rights to practice their religion freely.

Unitary System

A government where power is concentrated in the national government.

Federal System

A government system that distributes power to state and local governments.

Federalism

The relationship between federal and state governments.

Block Grants

Funds for general purposes with states having discretion on how to spend them.

Categorical Grants

Funds allocated for specific purposes.

Dual Federalism

A system where both state and national governments maintain authority within their spheres.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where federal and state governments work together to solve problems.

Congressional Powers

Include the ability to tax, declare war, approve appointments, impeach, and make laws.

Decennial Census

A population count conducted every 10 years.

Reapportionment

The process of reallocating the number of representatives based on population.

Redistricting

The redrawing of district lines after a census.

Gerrymandering

Redrawing district lines to favor a particular political party.

Bicameral

A two-house legislature.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

1. Introduced 2. Committee 3. Goes to floor 4. Signed by the President.

Congressional Caucus

An association of members of Congress based on shared interests or demographics.

Constituent

A voter represented by a member of Congress.

Incumbent

An officeholder seeking reelection.

House of Representatives vs. Senate

House: 435 members, 2-year term, representation based on population; Senate: 100 members, 6-year term, 2 from each state.

Majority Leader

The head of the majority party in Congress.

Minority Leader

The head of the minority party in Congress.

Pres. Pro Tempore of Senate

The longest-serving senator of the majority party.

Whip

A senator or representative who aids the party leader.

Filibuster

A prolonged debate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

Cloture

A procedure to end a filibuster, requiring 60 votes.

Committees (Types)

Standing (permanent), Select (temporary), Joint (includes both houses), Conference (to reconcile bills).

Congressional Oversight

Congress's power to check that the executive branch is executing laws correctly.

Log Rolling

The practice of trading votes to gain support for projects.

Rider

A provision added to a bill that is unrelated to the main subject.

Revolving Door

The movement of public officials between public and private sectors.

Pork-Barrel Legislation

Laws passed that benefit a specific region or group.

Plurality Election

An election where the candidate with the most votes wins, not necessarily a majority.

Veto

The President's power to reject a bill.

Pocket Veto

A veto that occurs when the President does not sign a bill within 10 days after Congress adjourns.

Office of Management and Budget

Helps the President create the federal budget.

Congressional Budget Office

Analyzes the President's budget proposals.

General Accounting Office

Ensures government spending is accounted for correctly.

Deficit Spending

When the government spends more money than it receives in revenue.

Progressive Tax

A tax system where the tax rate increases as income increases.

Regressive Tax

A tax system where the tax rate decreases as income increases.

Flat Tax

A tax system where everyone pays the same rate.

Fiscal Policy

Congress's decisions on taxation and spending.

Monetary Policy

Federal Reserve's decisions to influence the economy by changing interest rates.

Qualifications for President

Must be 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a resident for 14 years.

Constitutional Powers of the President

Includes commander-in-chief, pardon authority, treaty-making, and more.

Electoral College Rules

Each state has votes equal to its senators and representatives; total of 538 with 270 needed to win.

War Powers Act of 1973

Requires the President to consult Congress before committing troops.

President's Cabinet

An advisory group of department heads chosen by the President.

Executive Privilege

The right of the President to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

Role of Media in Policy

Influences public opinion through agenda setting and issue framing.

Political Socialization

The process of obtaining political beliefs.

Selective Exposure

Choosing which media outlets to consume.

Prior Restraint

Censoring press before publication, considered unconstitutional.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Due Process Clause

Ensures protections are provided before being found guilty.

Equal Protection Clause

Prohibits states from denying any person equal protection of the law.

Adversary System

A judicial system where two parties present opposing arguments.

Amicus Curiae

A brief submitted by a 'friend of the court' to advise the court.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Habeas Corpus

The right to have a judge review the legality of one's detention.

Original Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction of courts that hear cases first.

Appellate Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction of courts that hear cases on appeal.

Criminal Cases

Involve violations of the law, requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Civil Cases

Involve disputes where one party sues another for damages.

Judicial Opinions

Majority, concurring, dissenting opinions in court decisions.