A.P. United States Government & Politics Review Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers essential terms and concepts from the A.P. United States Government & Politics course, helping students to prepare for their final exam.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two houses or chambers.

Shared Powers

Powers that are held by both the federal and state governments.

Separate Powers

The distribution of political authority among the three branches of government.

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring the colonies' separation from Great Britain, citing grievances.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak federal government.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of government.

Checks and Balances

A system that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

Brutus I

An anti-federalist paper arguing against a strong central government.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison that defends the Constitution's ability to control factions.

Federalism

The distribution of power between national and state governments.

Confederal System

A system of government where power is primarily held by the states.

Reserved Powers

Powers not explicitly granted to the federal government, reserved for the states.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A Supreme Court case that established federal supremacy and the implied powers of Congress.

Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to make laws deemed necessary and proper, expanding its powers.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws.

Interstate Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate trade between states.

United States v. Lopez

A Supreme Court case limiting the scope of the Commerce Clause.

Grants-in-Aid

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

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals learn and acquire political values and beliefs.

Party Discipline

The ability of political parties to get their members to vote in line with party policies.

Political Ideologies

Sets of beliefs about politics and society that help people make sense of their world.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in elections.

Disenfranchisement

The denial of the right to vote to certain groups of people.

Horse Race Journalism

Media coverage that focuses on political campaigns as a competitive race instead of policy positions.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy and promote specific causes.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that collect money to support candidates in political elections.

Campaign Finance Reform

Legislation aimed at regulating the financing of political campaigns.

Citizens United v. FEC

A landmark decision that allowed unlimited independent political donations.