amsco 1.2

Referendum

A direct vote by the people on a specific policy or law, allowing citizens to approve or reject it. In AP Gov, this connects to the principle of participatory Democracy.

Electoral College

The system established in the U.S. Constitution for electing the president, where each state appoints electors equal to its number of senators and representatives. These electors cast the official votes for president and vice president. In AP Gov Unit 1, it reflects the Framers’ compromise between direct popular vote and selection by Congress, balancing influence between large and small states.

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to persuade states to ratify the U.S. Constitution. They explain and defend the Constitution’s structure, including separation of powers, checks and balances, and the benefits of a strong central government. In AP Gov Unit 1, they are key founding documents—especially Federalist No. 10 on controlling factions and Federalist No. 51 on preventing tyranny.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government would threaten individual rights and state power—pushed for the Bill of Rights.

Elite democracy

Model of democracy where a small group of educated or wealthy individuals influence political decisions—seen in the design of the Electoral College and Senate.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong central government to maintain order and unity—argued their case in the Federalist Papers.

Initiative

Process that allows citizens to propose new laws or amendments and submit them for a public vote—expands direct participation in government.

Interest group

Organization of people with shared policy goals who try to influence government decisions—connects to pluralist democracy.

Participatory democracy

Model of democracy emphasizing broad participation of citizens in politics—seen in voting, town halls, and grassroots movements.

Pluralist democracy

Model where many groups compete to influence policy, ensuring no one group dominates—interest groups are key actors.

Representative democracy

System where citizens elect officials to make laws and policy decisions on their behalf—core model used in the U.S. government.