Unit 1 AP US GOV vocab + concepts

Federalism

System in which power is divided between national and state or local governments.

Enumerated/Expressed Powers

Powers written into the Constitution that have been given to the national government.

Reserved Powers

Powers given to the state governments alone.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the national and state governments.

Implied Powers

Powers given to the federal government that have been reasonably inferred from the Constitution.

“Necessary and proper” clause

Section of the Constitution allowing Congress to pass all laws essential to carrying out its expressed duties.

Nullification

The doctrine that a state can void a federal law that, in the state’s opinion, violates the Constitution.

Commerce Clause

Constitutional provision that gives the federal government the power to regulate interstate and foreign trade.

United States v Lopez

Ruling that declared the national government’s power under the commerce clause does not permit it to regulate matters not directly related to interstate commerce.

McCulloch v Maryland

Ruling that declared the federal government had the power to establish a national bank under the “necessary and proper” clause.

Unitary System

System in which power is centralized in one body, with state or regional governments deriving authority from the central government.

Confederal/Confederate System

System in which power is held by a loose union of independent states, with a weak central government.

Initiative

Process that permits voters to put state legislative measures directly on the ballot.

Referendum

Procedure that allows voters to reject a measure passed by the state legislature.

Recall

Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office.

Federal Revenue Sharing

The distribution of a percentage of federal tax income to state and local governments.

Categorical grants

Federal grants given to states for specific purposes, often with strings attached.

Block grants

Federal grants given to states for broader purposes, such as healthcare or education.

Conditions of aid

Strings attached by the national government that states must meet to receive certain federal funds.

Mandates

Terms set by the national government that states are required to meet, regardless of federal grants.

14th Amendment

Constitutional provision that guarantees citizenship, equal protection, and due process.

10th Amendment

Provision stating that powers not given to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved for the states.

Direct (Participatory) Democracy

A government in which the people govern themselves and vote on policy matters.

Indirect (Representative) Democracy

A model of democracy where people are represented by elected leaders.

Elite Democracy

Model of democracy where a small number of wealthy or influential people control political decisions.

Pluralist View/Pluralism

Belief that effective public policy results from competition among various interests and groups.

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to all people, not dependent on government.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S., characterized by a weak central government.

Constitutional Convention

Meeting in 1787 that led to the formation of the current Constitution.

Shay’s Rebellion

Uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a stronger national government with a bicameral legislature.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for a unicameral legislature, preferred by smaller states.

Great Compromise

Agreement for a House based on population and a Senate with equal membership for each state.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement that slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Social Contract

Agreement where government derives power from the consent of the governed.

Federalist Papers

Essays designed to rally support for the ratification of the Constitution.

Faction

A group with distinct political interests, highlighted in Federalist #10.

Federalists

Citizens who favored a stronger national government and supported the Constitution's ratification.

Anti-Federalists

Citizens who favored a weaker national government and opposed the Constitution's ratification.

Checks and Balances

Principle that grants each branch the ability to limit the authority of the others.

Separation of Powers

Principle that divides government powers into three distinct branches.

Popular sovereignty

Principle that government authority is created and sustained by the consent of the people.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

Amendment

A new addition to the Constitution proposed by Congress and ratified by the states.

Writ of habeas corpus

An order to produce an arrested person before a judge.

Limited Government

Government restrained in its lawful use of power, exercising only powers assigned by the Constitution