AP U.S. Government & Politics: Key Concepts and Processes

What is a federal mandate?

A federal mandate is a law/policy enforced by the federal government that states must abide by. An example is the Clean Air Act.

What is the difference between block grants and categorical grants?

Block grants are government money given to institutions with no strict guidelines on its use, while categorical grants are given with a narrowly defined purpose determined federally.

What is the amendment process in Article V of the Constitution?

2/3rds of both houses can amend the Constitution.

What did the Articles of Confederation do poorly?

They lacked authority to levy taxes and could only request states to contribute their share.

What did the Articles of Confederation do well?

They created a national government and limited states' rights to conduct their own diplomacy.

What were some main arguments by Madison in Federalist 10?

Madison argued that a strong, large republican government is the best defense against the dangers of political factions.

What is the difference between state powers and federal powers?

Power is divided by the Constitution through Federalism, giving national duties to the federal government and reserving local controls for the states.

What is the system of checks and balances?

It ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

What should Congress do if it does not like a Supreme Court ruling?

For statutory interpretation, Congress can rewrite or amend the law; for constitutional rulings, they must pursue a constitutional amendment.

Which branch of government can declare a rule issued by a bureaucratic agency unconstitutional?

The Judicial branch can review rules passed by Congress.

What is the process for ratifying a treaty?

The president negotiates and signs a treaty, the Senate must approve it with a 2/3 vote, and then the president ratifies it.

What is Brutus 1?

Brutus No. 1 was written by an Anti-Federalist arguing against ratification of the Constitution, believing the proposed federal government would become too powerful.

What are the consequences of a Federal System in the United States?

It divides power between national and state governments, allows states to create different policies, and can cause conflicts between them.

Which branch of government declares war?

Congress has the constitutional power to declare war.

Which house of Congress holds confirmation hearings?

The Senate holds confirmation hearings for cabinet officials, federal judges, Supreme Court justices, and ambassadors.

Which house of Congress impeaches federal judges and the President?

The House of Representatives impeaches federal judges and the President.

Which house of Congress holds impeachment trials?

The Senate holds the impeachment trials.

How does Congress override a presidential veto?

Congress must pass the bill again with a 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate.

What does the Commerce Clause do?

The Commerce Clause gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, with foreign nations, and with Native American tribes.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Also called the Elastic Clause, it allows Congress to make laws necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers, giving the federal government implied powers.

What does the Privileges and Immunities Clause state?

It prevents states from unfairly discriminating against citizens of other states.

What does the Full Faith and Credit Clause require?

It requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

What was the ruling in McCulloch vs. Maryland?

The Supreme Court ruled that Congress had the implied power to create a national bank and that Maryland could not tax it because federal law is supreme.

What was the ruling in Us vs. Lopez?

The Supreme Court ruled that Congress exceeded its commerce clause authority by making possession of a gun near a school a federal crime.

What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

It establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

What are Enumerated Powers?

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

What are Reserved Powers?

Powers reserved to the states by the 10th amendment.

What are Concurrent Powers?

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxing and establishing courts.

What was the Great Compromise?

It solved the dispute between large and small states over representation, establishing a House based on population and a Senate with two senators per state.

What was the 3/5ths Compromise?

It counted enslaved people as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

What is the Implied Powers Doctrine?

It states that the federal government has powers not explicitly written in the Constitution but reasonably implied by its enumerated powers.

What is Dual Federalism?

A system where federal and state governments have separate areas of responsibility.

What is Cooperative Federalism?

A system where federal and state governments work together to create and implement policies.

What is devolution?

Devolution is the transfer of power and responsibility from the federal government to state or local governments.

How is the Welfare Reform Act an example of devolution?

It reduced the federal government's direct role in welfare administration and gave states greater control over welfare programs.

What is Participatory Democracy?

A democracy where citizens participate directly in political decisions through voting, protests, and activism.

What is Pluralist Democracy?

A democracy where different interest groups compete to influence government.

What is Elite Democracy?

A democracy where a small group of influential individuals makes or strongly influences major political decisions.

How does education relate to federalism?

Education is primarily a state and local responsibility, but the federal government influences it through funding and civil rights laws.

What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?

It abolished slavery.

What did the 14th Amendment establish?

It established citizenship, due process clause, and equal protection clause.

What did the 15th Amendment prohibit?

It prohibited denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

How did the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments affect federalism?

They significantly increased federal power over the states, particularly regarding civil rights.

What does the Due Process Clause state?

States cannot deprive people of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

What does the Equal Protection Clause require?

States must provide equal protection of the laws.

What is the process for ratifying treaties?

The president negotiates/signs, the Senate approves by 2/3, and the president ratifies.

How is a constitutional amendment proposed and ratified?

Proposed by 2/3 of the House and Senate or a constitutional convention called by 2/3 of state legislatures; ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures or conventions.

What is the impeachment process for a federal judge or president?

House investigates and votes on impeachment; if a majority votes for it, the Senate holds a trial needing a 2/3 vote to convict.

How can Congress override a presidential veto?

Both the House and Senate must pass the bill again with a 2/3 vote.

What are concurrent powers in the federal system?

Powers that both state and federal governments possess, such as taxation and establishing courts.

What are the consequences of the federal system in the U.S.?

It divides political power, allows states to experiment with policies, creates policy differences, and protects state interests.

How is American political culture characterized?

By individualism, liberty, equality, popular sovereignty, limited government, rule of law, and civic participation.

Which branch of government has the power to declare war?

Congress has the constitutional power to declare war.

Which house of Congress confirms nominees to the court and cabinet?

The Senate confirms presidential nominees to federal courts and Cabinet positions.