AP Gov Unit 1 test

Elite theory

the perspective that a small, wealthy, and powerful minority—comprised of business, financial, and political leaders—dominates government, making policy decisions that benefit themselves rather than the public

Federalists vs. Antifederalists

Federalists favored a strong central government to ensure stability, while Anti-Federalists feared tyranny, advocating for states’ rights and a Bill of Rights.

Commerce clause

Authorizes Congress to regulate economic exchange with foreign nations, among the states and with Indian tribes.

Necessary and proper clause

Grants Congress the authority to pass all laws “necessary and proper” for executing its enumerated powers.

Gibbons vs. Ogden

Unanimous decision that affirmed Congress’s power to regulate interstate commerce under the constitution’s commerce clause.

Can a state grant a monopoly to a steamboat operator for interstate waters if it conflicts with a federal license?

McCulloch vs. Maryland

States can’t tax the national bank because the Constitution grants Congress the power to create one and federal laws override state laws (Supremacy Clause).

Marbury vs. Madison

The case arose from outgoing President John Adams's failure to deliver a judicial commission to William Marbury; when new Secretary of State James Madison refused, Marbury sued, but Chief Justice John Marshall ruled the Supreme Court couldn't issue the order because the Judiciary Act section authorizing it was unconstitutional.

Tenth amendment

the U.S. government only has the powers specifically listed in the Constitution, with all others left to the states or the public

Cooperative federalism

where federal and state governments share, overlap, and blend power to address complex, national-level issues. Ex- the clean air act

Tyranny of the majority

Majority oppresses minority

Tyranny of minority

Minority blocks the will of the majority

Selective incorporation

Selective incorporation is a constitutional doctrine whereby the U.S Supreme Court, on a case-by-case basis, applies specific protections from the Bill of Rights to state governments.

14 amendment

granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. , forbidding states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process

Categorical grant

Federal money given to state or local govs for a very specific purpose, strict rules and how to spend it. Ex- Medicaid, transportation grants

Block grants

A grant from central government which a local authority can allocate to a wide range of services.

United States vs. Lopez

It ruled (5-4) that the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was unconstitutional because carrying a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce. 

How did FDR change American Federalism?

Before FDR states handled most economic and social issues, this is called dual federalism. When the Great Depression hit, the country looked to the federal gov for help. FDR created the New Deal, it helped create job and regulate banks. After the new deal, the national gov expanded its power and it began working with states to run programs, known as cooperative federalism.

Implied powers

Powers that are not directly written in the constitution but reasonably assumed to help the federal government carry out its expressed powers. Implied powers come from the necessary and proper clause.

Advantages and disadvantages with unitary, confederal, and federal systems

unitary system- All power is held by the national government. Advantage- same laws everywhere disadvantages- too much power in one place

Confederal system- power is held by the states, national gov is weak. Advantage- strong local control Disadvantages- weak military and economy

Federal- power is shared between the national and state government. Advantage- balance of power Disadvantage- conflicts between state and federal laws

Enumerated powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution that belong to Congress

Perpetual Union

The state are permanently united and cannot legally leave the U.S

Pluralist theory

The idea that political power is spread across many completing groups, not held by one single group

Popular sovereignty

Popular sovereignty means that all government power comes from the people.

Elitist theory

The idea that a small, wealthy, and powerful group hold most political power, not the general public.

Republicanism

Power rests on the people, who elect representatives to govern on their behalf rather than ruling directly.

According to elitist theory, political power is primarily held by whom?

The wealthy

Which law did Bridget Mergens rely on to start a Bible study group?

Equal access act of 1984

Pluralist theory focused on what factor in democracy?

Factions or interest groups

Judicial review

The power of the courts, especially the Supreme Court, to decide whether a law or government action violates the Constitution.

Interstate commerce

Crosses state lines, so Congress regulates it under the Constitution

Intrastate commerce

Trade or business that stays within one state, states regulate it.

Sometimes Congress can regulate intrastate commerce if it affects interstate commerce, thanks to the Commerce Clause.

Revenue sharing

Federal money given to states with almost no restrictions. Ex- local gov could use funds for roads, parks, etc.

Federalism

The division and sharing of power between the national and state governments as established by the U.S. Constitution.

Concurrent powers

authority shared by both federal and state governments in the U.S., allowing them to act simultaneously within the same areas of jurisdiction. These shared powers—such as taxing, borrowing money, and establishing courts—are part of federalism, ensuring both levels of government operate independently while functioning under a shared constitutional framework

Police powers

Police powers are the fundamental ability of a local state government to enact laws to coerce its citizenry for the public good. Traffic laws, food safety.

Supremacy clause

The Supremacy Clause simply means the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the "supreme Law of the Land," overriding any conflicting state laws, meaning if federal and state laws clash, the federal law wins, making judges and officials bound by the higher federal standard.