AP GOV REVIEW

John Locke

Philosopher who inspired the Declaration of Independence with ideas of life, liberty, and property.

Majoritarian

A system where the majority wins (50% plus 1).

Pluralist

A system where interest groups compete for votes.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a single chamber of Congress with members based on state population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for a bicameral Congress with equal representation for all states.

The Great Compromise

Established a bicameral Congress with the Senate (equal representation) and the House of Representatives (based on population).

Amendment Process

Requires a ⅔ majority vote in each house and presidential approval, followed by ¾ of states agreeing.

Supremacy Clause

Part of the Constitution declaring it as the law of the land in case of disputes.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to create laws regarding situations not directly addressed in the Constitution.

Commerce Clause

Gives the federal government authority over interstate commerce.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states.

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist

Federalists supported the ratification of the Constitution; Anti-Federalists opposed it.

Federal Grants

Funds provided by the federal government to state or local governments.

Block Grants

Funds given to states for general purposes without specific restrictions.

Dual Federalism

Clearly separated powers between federal and state governments (Layer Cake model).

Cooperative Federalism

Mixed powers between federal and state governments (Marble Cake model).

Gatekeepers

Media outlets that determine what information gets published.

Horse Race Journalism

Media focus on election winners rather than policies.

Honeymoon Period

Initial phase of a political term with high approval ratings, facilitating bill passage.

Republican Demographics

Tend to be older, more religious, less educated, and live in rural areas.

Democratic Demographics

Tend to be younger, less religious, more educated, and live in urban areas.

17th Amendment

Established direct election of Senators by the people.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

Going Public

When a president appeals directly to the public to influence legislation.

Flaws in Electoral College

Downplays minority voices and hinders third-party candidates.

Rules and Functions of Political Parties

Parties field candidates, are ideologically affiliated, and organize political efforts.

Roles and Functions of Interest Groups

Monitor government activity, promote political participation, and inform public and lawmakers.

Critical Elections

Elections that signal a major shift in party allegiance.

Primary vs. Caucus

Primaries are state-wide elections to select candidates; Caucuses are meetings held by political parties.

23rd Amendment

Gives Washington D.C. 3 electoral college votes.

Iron Triangles

The stable relationships between Congress, interest groups, and bureaucracies.

Power of Congress

To pass legislation and override presidential vetoes.

Reapportionment

Every 10 years, a census leads to redistricting of congressional seats.

Legislative Process

A bill moves from committee to the House, to the Senate, and finally to the President.

Committee System

Breaks down legislative workload into focus-specific groups for efficiency.

Divided Government

Occurs when one party controls one or more chambers while the other controls the presidency.

Filibuster

A tactic to obstruct legislation by lengthy speaking.

Cloture

A procedure to end a filibuster requiring 60 votes in the Senate.

War Powers Resolution

Mandates Congress approval if troops are stationed for more than 60 days.

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office.

25th Amendment

Details presidential succession and provisions for presidential incapacity.

Veto

The president's power to reject legislation.

Judicial Review

The Supreme Court's authority to declare laws unconstitutional.

Judicial Appointments

The president nominates Supreme Court justices.

Judicial Philosophy

Judges serve for life to ensure constitutional neutrality.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Constitution.

Voting Rights Act

Outlaws racial discrimination in voting practices.

Affirmative Action

Measures to improve opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Due Process Clause

Ensures constitutional protections apply to all states.

Prior Restraint

Prohibits punishment after the fact for actions that were legal when performed.

Equal Protection Clause

Guarantees equal protection under the law for all individuals.

Exclusionary Rule

Bars illegally obtained evidence from being used in court.

Federalist 51

Discusses separation of powers and checks and balances.

Federalist 10

Argues that factions are undesirable and a strong federal government mitigates their effects.

Federalist 70

Advocates for a strong and energetic executive.

Federalist 78

Discusses the principle of judicial review.

Brutus 1

Critiques the Constitution for concentrating too much power in the federal government.

US v. Lopez

Ruled that Congress overstepped its bounds under the Commerce Clause.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Extended the right to counsel to defendants in state courts.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Protected students' First Amendment rights in schools.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Upheld religious rights against state education laws.

Engel v. Vitale

Ruled that school-sponsored prayer violates the First Amendment.

Baker v. Carr

Addressed the issue of redistricting and fair representation.

Marbury v. Madison

Established the principle of judicial review.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Clarified the relationship between state and federal government powers.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

MLK's defense of nonviolent protest against unjust laws.

Articles of Confederation

The initial governing document that lacked federal authority.

Declaration of Independence

Document asserting the rights of 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness' inspired by John Locke.