AP Government Monster Vocab 2025-2026

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. constitution; weak central government, no power to tax, states held most power.

Brutus 1

Anti-Federalist essay warning that a large republic would lead to tyranny and loss of liberty.

Declaration of Independence

1776 document stating colonial independence; based on natural rights and consent of the governed.

Federalist 10

Madison argues that factions are inevitable but best controlled by a large republic.

Federalist 51

Madison explains checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent tyranny.

Federalist 70

Hamilton argues for a single, strong executive for accountability and energy.

Federalist 78

Hamilton defends judicial independence and judicial review; courts are the “least dangerous branch.”

Letter from a Birmingham Jail (MLK)

Defends civil disobedience; argues unjust laws must be challenged.

Connecticut (Great) Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature (House by population, Senate equal).

Three-Fifths Compromise

Each enslaved person counted as 3/5 of a person for representation/taxation.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Established “one person, one vote”; courts can review redistricting.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson; racial segregation in schools is unconstitutional.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Corporations/unions have free speech rights to spend unlimited money on independent political ads.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

School-led prayer is unconstitutional (violates Establishment Clause).

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Right to a lawyer in state felony cases (6th Amendment, selective incorporation).

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Upheld national supremacy; Congress can use implied powers (bank case).

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Incorporated the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms to the states.

NY Times Co. v. US (1971)

Limited prior restraint; Pentagon Papers could be published (free press).

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Established constitutional right to abortion under privacy rights (later overturned in Dobbs 2022).

Schenck v. US (1919)

Speech creating a “clear and present danger” is not protected (draft resistance case).

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Students’ free speech rights upheld (black armbands in protest of Vietnam War).

US v. Lopez (1995)

Limited the Commerce Clause; Congress cannot regulate guns in school zones.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Amish parents can remove children from school for religious reasons (free exercise clause).

Amicus curiae

“Friend of the court”; a brief filed by an interest group or individual to influence a Supreme Court decision.

Block Grants

Federal money given to states with broad guidelines on how it must be spent.

Bully Pulpit

The president’s use of visibility and prestige to influence the public agenda.

Casework

Services that members of Congress provide to constituents, like helping with federal agencies.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds given to states for a specific purpose, often with strict rules.

Caucus

A meeting of party members to select candidates or set policy.

Closed primary

A primary election where only registered party members can vote.

Cooperative federalism

National and state governments working together to solve problems (“marble cake federalism”).

Critical Elections

Elections that mark a long-term shift in party coalitions and issues.

Dealignment

A decline in party loyalty, leading to more independents.

Demographics

Statistical data about populations (age, race, income, etc.).

Devolution

The transfer of power from the federal government back to the states.

Divided government

When one party controls the presidency and the other controls Congress.

Entitlements

Government programs that provide benefits to those who qualify (e.g., Social Security, Medicare).

Executive order

A directive issued by the president with the force of law.

Expressed powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for the federal government.

Federalism

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

Filibuster

A Senate tactic to delay or block a vote by talking endlessly.

Fiscal federalism

Using federal money to influence state policies.

Fiscal policy

Government decisions on taxing and spending to influence the economy.

Franking privilege

The right of members of Congress to mail to constituents for free.

Gender gap

Differences in political views and voting patterns between men and women.

General election

The election to choose which candidate will hold office.

Gerrymandering

Redrawing legislative boundaries to favor one party.

Grassroots lobbying

Indirect lobbying by encouraging the public to contact representatives.

Horse race journalism

Media focus on polls and competition instead of issues.

Implied powers

Powers not directly listed but allowed under the “necessary and proper clause.”

Incumbent

The current officeholder running for reelection.

Independent expenditures

Political spending by groups not directly coordinated with a candidate.

Inherent powers

Powers claimed by the president that are not in the Constitution but necessary for office.

Interest Groups

Organizations that try to influence public policy.

Issue network (iron triangle)

Connections between interest groups, Congress, and bureaucrats shaping policy.

Judicial activism

Judges making bold decisions to shape policy, sometimes creating new constitutional interpretations.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison).

Lame duck period

Time after a new president is elected but before the old one leaves office.

Litigation

Using courts to achieve policy goals (lawsuits).

Lobbying

Attempting to influence policymakers directly.

Logrolling

Trading votes in Congress to pass legislation.

Mandatory spending

Spending required by law (e.g., Social Security, Medicare).

Mid-term Elections

Congressional elections halfway through a president’s term.

Monetary policy

Control of the money supply and interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

Motion for cloture

A vote to end a filibuster (requires 60 Senate votes).

Open Primary

A primary election where any registered voter can participate regardless of party.

Original intent

Interpretation of the Constitution according to what the Framers intended.

Oversight

Congressional monitoring of the executive branch and bureaucracy.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

Organization that raises and donates money to influence elections.

Party polarization

When political parties move further apart ideologically.

Pluralism

Theory that politics is shaped by competition among many interest groups.

Pocket veto

President’s indirect veto by not signing a bill while Congress is adjourned.

Policy Agenda

The issues that policymakers and media are focusing on.

Political culture

Shared values and beliefs about government.

Political efficacy

Belief that one’s political participation matters.

Political party

An organized group seeking to win elections and control government.

Pork Barrel Spending

Funding local projects to please constituents and win votes.

Realignment

Long-term shift in party loyalty and coalitions.

Redistricting

Redrawing electoral district boundaries (usually after a census).

Selective incorporation

The process of applying the Bill of Rights to the states via the 14th Amendment.

Single-member districts

Electoral system where one representative is elected per district.

Stare decisis

“Let the decision stand”; courts follow precedent.

Suffrage

The right to vote.

Super PAC

Groups that can raise unlimited money for political campaigns but cannot coordinate directly with candidates.

Uncontrollable spending

Spending automatically built into the budget (e.g., interest on debt, entitlements).

Unfunded mandate

Federal requirements imposed on states without funding to carry them out.

White House staff

a group of advisors and support personnel who assist the President of the United States in carrying out their duties. This team includes senior aides, policy advisors, and administrators who help manage the day-to-day operations of the presidency, making it an essential component in the executive branch's function.

Writ of certiorari

Supreme Court order to hear a lower court case.

1st Amendment

Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime.

4th Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; requires warrants.

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process.

6th Amendment

Right to a fair and speedy trial, lawyer, and impartial jury.

7th Amendment

Right to jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail/fines.

9th Amendment

Rights not listed in the Constitution are still retained by the people.

10th Amendment

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