ap gov vocab

Republicanism

Electing representatives to govern.

Pluralist Democracy

Power is spread among groups.

Elite Democracy

A small group makes most decisions.

Participatory Democracy

Broad, direct citizen participation.

Concurrent Powers

Shared powers between federal and state.

Fiscal Federalism

Using money to influence states.

Categorical Grants

Money with strict rules.

Block Grants

Money with flexibility.

Mandates (Unfunded/Funded)

Federal orders with or without money.

Devolution

Shifting power back to states.

Bicameral

Two chambers: House and Senate.

Logrolling

Exchanging votes for favors.

Pork Barrel

Spending on local projects for votes.

Filibuster

Senate stalling tactic.

Cloture

Vote to end filibuster.

Discharge Petition

Forces bill out of committee.

Unanimous Consent

Senate agreement to speed things up.

Rules Committee

Sets House debate procedures.

Committee of the Whole

Speeds up House debate.

Trustee Model

Vote based on judgment.

Delegate Model

Vote based on constituents.

Politico Model

Mix of both trustee and delegate models.

Executive Agreement

International deal without Senate approval.

Bully Pulpit

President’s use of media to influence.

Iron Triangle

Alliance among Congress, interest groups, and bureaucracy.

Issue Network

Broader web of policy influencers.

Bureaucratic Discretion

Ability to interpret and carry out laws.

Rule-making Authority

Bureaucracy creates regulations.

Civil Service

Merit-based government jobs.

Merit System

Hiring based on ability.

Selective Incorporation

Applying Bill of Rights to states.

Procedural Due Process

Fair methods.

Substantive Due Process

Fair laws.

Political Socialization

How beliefs are formed.

Political Efficacy

Belief that you can influence politics.

Liberal Ideology

Favors more government programs.

Conservative Ideology

Favors less regulation and taxes.

Libertarian Ideology

Limited government in both economy and social issues.

Keynesian Economics

Government spending to boost demand.

Supply-Side Economics

Tax cuts to boost supply.

Monetary Policy

Federal Reserve controls money supply.

Fiscal Policy

Congress controls taxing and spending.

Rational Choice Voting

Vote based on self-interest.

Retrospective Voting

Vote based on past performance.

Prospective Voting

Vote based on future promises.

Party-line Voting

Vote with your party.

Realignment

Major shift in party loyalty.

Dealignment

Decline in party attachment.

Candidate-Centered Campaigns

Focus on personality, not party.

PACs

Organizations that donate money to candidates.

Super PACs

Unlimited fundraising, no direct coordination.

Dark Money

Undisclosed political spending.

Free Rider Problem

People benefit without contributing.

Grassroots Mobilization

Bottom-up political pressure.

Horse-Race Journalism

Focus on who’s winning, not policies.