AP Gov Unit 5 Exam

Symbolic Speech

Non-verbal actions that are meant to convey a particular message or viewpoint. A form of free expression protected by the First Amendment of the US constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech.

Establishment Clause

Part of the First Amendment to the US constitution and states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over the other.

Free Exercise Clause

Part of the First Amendment to the US constitution and states: “Or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” It protects individuals’ right to practice their religion freely without interference from the government, as long as their religious practices do not interfere with public policy or harm others.

Freedom of the Speech

protects the right to express ideas and opinions without government censorship or punishment.

Freedom of the Press

guarantees the right of media to operate without government interference.

Right to Assemble

Protects the right of people to gather in groups for peaceful purposes.

Right to Petition Government

Gives citizens the right to petition to the government without fear of punishment.

Parts of the First Amendment

Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Right to Assemble, and Right to Petition Government

Miranda Rights

A set of constitutional protections that inform individuals of their rights when in police custody.

Right to Privacy

Protects individuals from unwarranted government intrusion into their personal and private lives.

Slander

The public uttering of a false statement that harms the good reputation of another

Libel

Publishing false statements about someone that can harm their reputation.

Obscenity

Material that is considered offensive and lacks literary, artistic, political, or scientific value, and is not protected by the First Amendment.

Double Jeopardy

The constitutional protection that prevents an individual from being tried twice for the same offense after a verdict has been reached.

Exclusionary Rule

Prevents illegally obtained evidence from being used in court.

Reasonable Suspicion

A legal standard in the United States that allows law enforcement to briefly stop and question individuals.

Probable Cause

A legal standard requiring law enforcement to have a reasonable basis for believing that a crime has been committed.

USA Patriot Act

Enhances law enforcement’s ability to combat terrorism.

Selective Incorporation

A legal doctrine where the Supreme Court applies specific protections from the Bill of Rights to state governments through the fourteenth amendment.

Suspect Classification

Categories of individuals that historically have faced discrimination.

Intermediate Scrutiny

A legal standard used by courts to evaluate constitutional challenges.

Rational Basis

A judicial review standard used to determine the constitutionality of laws.

Strict Scrutiny

Highest level of judicial review used by courts to determine the constitutionality of laws.

Civil Rights Movement

A campaign for equality and civil rights for African Americans in the United States.

Civil Disobedience

The nonviolent refusal to obey laws or government demands, intended to bring about social or political change.

The Fourteenth Amendment

Granting citizenship to all persons born in the United States and ensuring equal protection under the law, while also prohibiting states from depriving any person of life, liberty, and property.

De Facto and De Jure Segregation

De Jure is imposed by law while De Facto refers to segregation that exists in practice.

The Nineteenth Amendment

Prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on sex.

Women’s Rights Movement

Various periods and struggles women faced, including suffrage, equal rights, and broader societal equality.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas including employment, public accommodations, transportation, etc.

Affirmative Action

Policies and programs designed to promote equal opportunity in education and employment.

LGBTQ Rights Movement

Fought for equal rights and protection, including marriage equality, employment, and military service through activism and policy changes.

Civil Liberties v. Civil Rights

Civil Liberties are fundamental freedoms guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution, primarily the Bill of Rights, protecting them from government interference, while Civil Rights are protections against discrimination and ensure equal treatment under the law for all citizens.

First Amendment

Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition

Second Amendment

Right to Bear Arms

Third Amendment

Protection from quartering soldiers in homes

Fourth Amendment

Protection against Unreasonable Search and Seizure

Fifth Amendment

The Right to Remain Silent/Double Jeopardy, right to due process

Sixth Amendment

The right to a Speedy Trial by jury, representation by an attorney for an accused person

Seventh Amendment

Right to jury in civil trials

Eighth Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment

Ninth Amendment

Recognition that the enumeration of rights in the Constitution does not mean other rights are denied.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.