AP Gov Vocab 1

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the ratification of the Constitution who favored a weaker national government.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, providing a weak federal government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

checks and balances

A system ensuring that no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch the ability to limit the powers of the others.

electoral college

A group of representatives selected by voters to formally elect the President and Vice President.

Elite democracy

A model of democracy where a small number of people, typically the wealthy and educated, hold political power.

enumerated powers

Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a two-house legislature.

Impeachment

The process of charging a government official with wrongdoing.

James Madison

Fourth President of the United States and a key architect of the Constitution.

judicial review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

National Supremacy

The principle that federal laws take precedence over state laws.

natural law

A philosophy asserting that certain rights are inherent by human nature and can be understood through reason.

elastic clause

A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper to carry out its duties.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for the structure of the United States Government that called for each state to have one vote in Congress.

participatory democracy

A model of democracy emphasizing broad participation from citizens.

pluralist democracy

A model of democracy where multiple groups compete to influence policy and decision-making.

popular sovereignty

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

Preamble

The introductory statement of the Constitution outlining its purpose and guiding principles.

representative Republic

A system of government in which officials are elected to represent the people.

Republicanism

An ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic.

reserved powers

Powers that are not enumerated and are reserved to the states.

separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.

social contract

The theory that individuals consent to form a government in exchange for protection of their rights.

supremacy clause

The clause in the Constitution declaring that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted three-fifths of a state's slave population for congressional representation.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong national government with three branches and a bicameral legislature.