AP U.S. Government FRQ Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the core concepts, constitutional clauses, amendments, court cases, and federalist papers from the AP U.S. Government FRQ study guide.

Federalism

A constitutional system in which governing power is divided between the national government and state governments.

Articles of Confederation

The first national framework of the United States, which established a weak national government where states retained most governing authority.

Article V

The section of the Constitution providing a formal two-stage process for proposing and ratifying amendments, resolving the unanimous consent problem of the Articles of Confederation.

McCulloch v. Maryland

The Supreme Court decision affirming that Congress possesses implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause to establish a national bank and establishing that federal law is supreme over state taxation.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A constitutional clause giving Congress the power to pass all laws needed to execute its enumerated powers, providing the constitutional foundation for implied powers.

Supremacy Clause

A constitutional provision establishing that the U.S. Constitution and valid federal statutes take precedence over conflicting state laws.

Block Grants

Federal funds allocated to states for broad, flexible policy purposes, allowing state governments significant discretion in how the money is spent.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds distributed to states for a narrowly defined purpose, typically carrying strict federal rules and requirements on expenditure.

Federal Mandates

Requirements imposed by the national government that state and local governments are obligated to follow.

Commerce Clause

A constitutional clause granting Congress the power to regulate trade among the states, frequently used to expand national authority.

Taxing and Spending Clause

A constitutional provision authorizing Congress to collect taxes and allocate federal funds to provide for the common defense and general welfare.

Selective Incorporation

The legal doctrine through which the Supreme Court applies protections from the Bill of Rights to state governments via the Fourteenth Amendment.

Tenth Amendment

The constitutional amendment specifying that powers neither delegated to the national government nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or to the people.

Welfare Reform Act of 1996

A federal law that increased state authority and administrative flexibility by giving states greater control over welfare programs.

Faction

A group of citizens united by a shared interest or passion that may conflict with the rights of others or the permanent interests of the community, as described in Federalist No. 10.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison arguing that the dangers of factions and majority tyranny are best controlled by establishing a large republic with elected representatives.

Separation of Powers

The structural division of governmental responsibilities among distinct legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any single branch from controlling all power.

Checks and Balances

A constitutional system that enables each branch of government to monitor, restrict, or veto actions taken by the other branches.

Seventeenth Amendment

The constitutional amendment that established the direct election of U.S. senators by popular vote rather than selection by state legislatures.

Primary Elections

Elections in which registered voters cast ballots to choose party nominees for office, decreasing the control party leaders hold over candidate selection.

Establishment Clause

A First Amendment provision preventing the federal government from establishing an official state religion or improperly endorsing religion.

Legislative Oversight

The ongoing authority and practice of Congress to monitor, review, and investigate executive branch agencies, policies, and activities.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the president that instruct executive branch agencies on how to implement laws and manage administrative operations within existing legal limits.

Federalists

Proponents of ratifying the Constitution who favored a stronger centralized national government capable of maintaining domestic order and addressing national challenges.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of ratifying the original Constitution without additional protections, advocating for state power and demanding explicit safeguards for individual liberties.

Due Process Clause (Fourteenth Amendment)

The constitutional clause prohibiting states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, serving as the vehicle for selective incorporation.

Equal Protection Clause

A Fourteenth Amendment provision requiring states to grant equal legal protection to all individuals, empowering the federal judiciary to challenge state discrimination.

Electorate

The collective body of individuals who are legally eligible and qualified to participate in an election by voting.

Motor Voter Laws

Legislation aimed at boosting voter participation by making voter registration available when eligible citizens apply for or renew driver's licenses.

Nineteenth Amendment

The constitutional amendment that expanded the electorate by prohibiting the federal and state governments from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex.