AP Government Study Guide: Constitutional Underpinnings

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to constitutional underpinnings and fundamental principles of democracy, as studied in AP Government.

Direct Democracy

A form of government in which citizens meet and vote directly on government decisions.

Representative Democracy (Republic)

A system where citizens choose officials who make decisions on government policy.

Magna Carta (1215)

The first attempt to limit the power of the British King, guaranteeing certain rights to all people.

Social Contract Theory

A principle stating that people enter into a social contract with the government and allow themselves to be ruled.

Consent of the Governed

The principle that rulers depend on the approval of the people, and can be changed if they fail to protect rights.

Natural Rights

The fundamental rights that all people are born with, including life, liberty, and property.

Common Good

The belief in doing what’s best for the nation overall.

Popular Sovereignty

The belief that ultimate authority rests with the people.

Majority Rule

The principle that government should be run according to the will of the majority.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution favoring a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution fearing a tyrannical national government.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others.

Bicameralism

The division of a legislature into two separate assemblies (House of Representatives and Senate).

Federalist Papers

Articles written to support the Constitution, authored by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress or the President unconstitutional.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual rights.

Fiscal Federalism

Patterns of spending, taxing, and providing grants by the federal government to influence state and local governments.

Devolution

The process of returning power to the states.

Gerrymandering

The practice of redistricting to favor a specific political party.

Interest Group

An organization of people who share common objectives and seek to influence government policies.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's political participation can make a difference.

Iron Triangle

The stable, mutually beneficial relationships between a congressional committee, a bureaucracy, and an interest group.

Electoral College

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

Civil Liberties

Individual freedoms that are protected against government infringement.