AP Gov Exam Unit 1

that's a lot of terms but its okay I can do it

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

A landmark legislation in the U.S. aimed at prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution during the ratification debate, favoring stronger state governments.

Bicameral legislature

A legislative body having two chambers or houses, such as the U.S. Congress.

Bill of attainder

A legislative act that singles out and punishes an individual or group without a trial.

Block grants

Federal funds provided to states with few restrictions, allowing for greater state control over how the money is spent.

Categorical grants

Federal funds provided to states for specific purposes with strict regulations.

Central government

The national government that holds the primary authority over a country.

Checks and balance

A system that ensures that no branch of government exceeds its powers and each has the ability to limit the powers of the others.

Clean Air Act (1970)

A federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources.

Commerce Clause

The constitutional provision allowing Congress to regulate interstate and international commerce.

Concurrent powers

Powers that are shared by both the national and state governments.

Conditions-of-aid

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state governments to qualify for federal funds.

Cooperative federalism

A model of federalism in which the national and state governments work together to solve problems.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy in which people directly participate in decision-making.

Dual federalism

A model of federalism where the state and national governments operate independently in their own spheres of authority.

Elastic Clause

The provision in the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress to make laws necessary and proper to carry out its powers.

Electoral College

The body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Elite democracy

A theory of democracy that suggests a small number of people, usually wealthy and well-educated, hold power.

Enumerated powers

Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Ex post facto law

A law that makes an act illegal retroactively.

Exclusive powers

Powers that are reserved only for the national government.

Factions

Groups of people who gather to promote their own interests, often at the expense of the common good.

Federalism/Federal System

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

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution during the ratification debate, favoring a strong national government.

Fiscal federalism

The financial relationship between the national government and the states, particularly concerning grants and funding.

Formal amendment

A change to the Constitution that requires a specific process outlined in the document itself.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

A clause in the Constitution requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Grants

Federal or state financial awards given to support a program, project, or institution.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but necessary to carry out the enumerated powers.

Incentives

Benefits offered to encourage certain actions or behaviors, often used in the context of grants and funding.

Indirect Democracy

A system of government in which the people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Informal amendment

Changes to the Constitution that occur through legislation, judicial interpretation, or societal changes rather than the formal amendment process.

Inherent powers

Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for the government to conduct its business.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

“Layer Cake” federalism

A concept of federalism where the national and state governments are distinct and operate within their own spheres.

Limited government

A political system restricted through delegated powers, ensuring that government does not become overreaching.

Mandates

Directives from the federal government that states are required to follow, sometimes without accompanying funding.

“Marble Cake” federalism

A model of federalism where the national and state governments are intermingled and work collaboratively.

Natural rights

Basic human rights based on universal natural law, often associated with John Locke's philosophy.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Also known as the Elastic Clause, it grants Congress the authority to pass all laws necessary to carry out the enumerated powers.

New Federalism/Devolution

A political philosophy that seeks to return power and authority to the states from the national government.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for the structure of the U.S. government that favored small states, advocating for a unicameral legislature.

Participatory democracy

A model of democracy that emphasizes broad participation of constituents in the shaping of laws and policies.

Pluralist democracy

A model of democracy that recognizes a diversity of interests and groups that influence political decision-making.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

A clause that prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution or an amendment by the states.

Representative democracy

A form of democracy in which voters elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Republic

A form of government in which power rests with the people who elect representatives.

Reserved powers

Powers not delegated to the national government or prohibited to the states, which are held by the states.

Revenue sharing

A distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments.

Separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Shay’s Rebellion

A series of protests in 1786-1787 by American farmers against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments.

Slave Trade Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention that allowed the continuation of the slave trade until 1808.

Social contract

An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

Supremacy Clause

The clause in the Constitution declaring that federal law takes precedence over state laws.

Supermajority

A requirement for a proposal to gain a level of support higher than a simple majority.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted three out of every five slaves for purposes of representation and taxation.

Unicameral legislature

A legislative body with a single chamber.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a bicameral legislative branch with representation based on state population.