AP Government & Politics — Unit 1 Vocabulary (Ch. 1-3)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Unit 1 (Chapters 1–3) of AP Government & Politics.

Government

The institutions and processes through which public policy is formulated and enforced in a political system.

Public Goods

Goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, available to all without diminishing others' ability to use them.

Politics

The activities involved in influencing public policy and leadership; how power and resources are distributed.

Political Participation

Activities by citizens to influence government decisions (voting, volunteering, lobbying, protest, etc.).

Single-Issue Groups

Groups organized around a single policy issue that often seek to influence policy on that issue only.

Policymaking System

The flow from people's interests and concerns, through institutions, to public policies and their impacts.

Linkage Institutions

Channels through which the public expresses preferences (elections, political parties, interest groups, media).

Policy Agenda

The set of issues and problems that policymakers consider important at a given time.

Political Issue

A problem that arises in politics and is debated with potential policy responses.

Policymaking Institutions

Branches and bodies (Congress, Presidency, Courts, bureaucratic agencies) that create policy.

Public Policy

A government's chosen course of action or inaction in response to a political issue.

Policy Impacts

The effects that public policies have on society, the economy, and individuals.

Democracy

A system in which the people have influence over the government, often through elections and rule of law.

Majority Rule

A principle where the preferences of the majority guide decisions while protecting minority rights.

Minority Rights

Legal and political rights guaranteed to minorities to prevent tyranny of the majority.

Representation

The relationship between elected officials and their constituents; acting on their behalf.

Pluralism

A theory that policy results from competition and cooperation among many groups.

Elitism (Elite and Class Theory)

The view that a small, privileged group controls policy and political life.

Hyperpluralism

A situation in which too many influential groups cause gridlock and weak policy.

Policy Gridlock

A stalemate in policy-making where little gets done due to conflict and divided power.

Political Culture

Shared beliefs, values, and norms about politics and government within a society.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a year.

Constitution

A written framework of fundamental laws and principles that organize and limit government.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document proclaiming independence and asserting natural rights and government by consent.

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to all people (e.g., life, liberty, property) that governments should protect.

Consent of the Governed

Legitimacy of government arises from the people's voluntary agreement.

Limited Government

The idea that governmental power is restricted by a constitution and law.

Articles of Confederation

The first US constitution; created a weak central government and strong states.

Shay’s Rebellion

1786-87 uprising illustrating the Articles' weaknesses and spurring constitutional reform.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States establishing the framework of the national government.

Factions

Groups with shared interests that can influence politics and policy (Madison’s concern in Federalist 10).

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for equal representation in a unicameral legislature; favored small states.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for representation based on population in a bicameral legislature; favored large states.

Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise)

Agreement creating a bicameral Congress: Senate (equal representation) and House (proportional representation).

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Legal protection requiring a person in custody be brought before a judge to determine lawfulness.

Separation of Powers

Dividing government powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

Each branch can limit the others' powers to prevent tyranny.

Republic

A government where voters elect representatives to govern according to the rule of law.

Federalists

Supporters of a stronger national government and the ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of a strong central government who favored states’ rights and a Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

Essays advocating for ratification of the Constitution and explaining its principles.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments protecting individual liberties and rights.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

Proposed amendment assuring equal rights regardless of sex; not ratified.

Marbury v. Madison

1803 Supreme Court decision establishing judicial review (power to strike laws).

Judicial Review

Power of courts to examine and declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

Unitary Government

System in which a central government holds the majority of power, with weaker subnational units.

Intergovernmental Relations

Interactions among national, state, and local governments.

Supremacy Clause

Constitution is the supreme law; federal law overrides state laws when in conflict.

Tenth Amendment

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

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Case establishing federal supremacy and implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government.

Implied Powers

Powers inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause, not explicitly listed.

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

Clause allowing Congress to implement laws necessary to execute its enumerated powers.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Case affirming federal authority to regulate interstate commerce.

Full Faith and Credit

States must recognize other states’ public acts, records, and judicial decisions.

Extradition

Process by which a person accused of a crime is surrendered to another jurisdiction.

Privileges and Immunities [Clause]

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states; ensures equal treatment.

Dual Federalism

view of federalism where national and state governments operate in separate spheres.

Cooperative Federalism

Model where national and state governments work together on policy, often via grants.

Devolution

Transfer of powers from the federal government to state or local governments.

Fiscal Federalism

Pattern of spending, taxing, and grant distribution in the federal system.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants for specific purposes with strings attached.

Project Grants

Categorical grants awarded for specific projects.

Formula Grants

Categorical grants distributed according to a formula set by Congress.

Block Grants

Federal grants with broad purposes and fewer restrictions on spending.

Cross-Over Sanctions

Using federal funds to influence policy in unrelated areas.

Cross-Cutting Requirements

Conditions that apply to all activities funded by a federal grant.

Mandates (Funded and Unfunded Mandates)

Requirements placed on states; some funded, others unfunded by the federal government.

Commerce Clause

Constitutional provision empowering Congress to regulate interstate and international commerce.

Amendment Process

Method to amend the Constitution (proposal by 2/3 of Congress; ratification by 3/4 of states).

Reserved Powers

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

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by the national and state governments.

Federalist No. 10

Madison's argument that a large republic can control factions and protect liberty.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist critique arguing against the new Constitution's centralization of power.

Federalist No. 51

Madison's discussion of checks and balances and separation of powers.

Social Contract

Agreement among the people to form a government and abide by its rules.

Popular Sovereignty

The authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Republicanism

System where citizens elect representatives to govern for the common good.

Rule of Law

Principle that all people and institutions, including the government, are subject to law.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Compromise counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Compromise on Importation of Slaves

Agreement to stop slave importation after 1808, with earlier continued practice.

Electoral College

Body of electors who formally elect the President; representation varies by state.