AP Government final S1

Articles of confederation

The first U.S. government framework, which created a weak central government with no power to tax or regulate trade. It was replaced by the Constitution.

Declaration of independence

Document declaring American independence from Britain, outlining natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) and grievances against the king.

Constitution

The framework for the U.S. government, establishing federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.

Federalist 10

Essay by James Madison arguing for a large republic to control factions and protect minority rights.

Federalist 51

Essay by James Madison emphasizing checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent tyranny.

Federalist and anti federalists

Federalists supported a strong central government and the Constitution; Antifederalists wanted stronger state governments and opposed the Constitution.

Bully pulpit

The president’s ability to use the media and public attention to promote policy agendas.

Bureaucracy

Government agencies and departments that implement laws and policies.

Checks and balances

System where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others (e.g., veto, judicial review).

Federalism

Division of power between the federal and state governments

Separation of powers

Division of government responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Civil liberties

Individual rights protected from government interference (e.g., freedom of speech).

Equal protection clause

Individual rights protected from government interference (e.g., freedom of speech).

Freedom of religion clauses

Establishment Clause (no government religion) and Free Exercise Clause (practice religion freely).

Necessary and Proper Clause

Grants Congress the power to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

Privileges and immunities clause

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Supremacy clause

Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws are the highest laws in the U.S.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by federal and state governments (e.g., taxing, law enforcement).

Congressional powers

Includes making laws, declaring war, regulating commerce, and controlling the budget.

Exec power

The president’s authority to enforce laws, command the military, and conduct foreign policy.

Exec privilege

The president’s right to withhold information from Congress or courts for national security.

Pres powers

Includes vetoing laws, issuing executive orders, and appointing officials.

Judicial activism

When judges interpret the Constitution to reflect modern values or conditions.

Judicial restraint

When judges limit their power, sticking closely to the original intent of the Constitution.

Stare decisis

The principle of following legal precedent in court decisions

Keynesian economics

Economic theory advocating government spending to boost demand during recessions.

Models of representive democracy

Includes participatory, pluralist, and elite democracy models.

Political socialization

The process by which people form political opinions, influenced by family, education, media, etc.

Public opinion polls

Surveys measuring public views on issues, candidates, or policies.

Electoral college

The system used to elect the president, where states have votes based on their congressional representation.

Gerrymandering

Drawing voting districts to benefit a political party or group.

Third party in political process

Minor parties that influence elections by introducing new ideas or taking votes from major parties.

Three fifths compromise

Agreement counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Baker v Carr 1961

Established the principle of “one person, one vote,” allowing federal courts to hear redistricting cases.

Engle v vitale 1962

Prohibited school-sponsored prayer in public schools under the Establishment Clause.

Gideon v wainwright

Guaranteed the right to an attorney for criminal defendants under the 6th Amendment.

Marburry V Madison

Established judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Mcculloch v Maryland

Confirmed federal supremacy and upheld the Necessary and Proper Clause.

McDonald v Chicago 2010

Applied the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Miranda V Arizona 1966

Required police to inform suspects of their rights before questioning (Miranda rights).

NYT v US 1971

Protected freedom of the press, allowing the publication of the Pentagon Papers.

Roe v Wade

Legalized abortion under the right to privacy.

Schneck V US 1919

Limited free speech during wartime if it creates a “clear and present danger.”

Shaw v Reno

Ruled that racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause.

Tinker v Des Moines 1969

Protected students’ right to free speech in schools (e.g., wearing armbands).

US V Lopez 1995

Limited Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause, ruling that gun-free school zones are a state issue.

Wisconsin V Yonder 1972

Allowed Amish families to pull children out of school for religious reasons.

Shay’s rebellion

A 1786 uprising by farmers protesting taxes, showing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.