Ap Government + Politics Vocabulary

Anti- Federalist

against federalism (aka the government rule) they didn’t want a strong government. If they were against the central government then they want the states to be strong 

Bicameral

2 chambers/ houses; The Senate and House of Representatives 

Checks and Balance

System of that gives each branch of the government power to limit the other. With this system hopefully an abuse of power won’t happen

Commerce Clause

Commerce (trading, merchandise/economy); congress has the power to regulate businesses in any state and foreign trade to promote economic growth.

Electoral College

The process of electing the chief executive. Chosen electors are the one who cast their vote for the chief executive based on the majority vote in a state 

Enumerated Powers

stated powers given to congress by the constitution

Extradition

states are to return fugitives to the state where the crime was committed 

Federalist

Those who support a strong cental government – Think Hamilton and the federalist papers

Impeachment

The process of charging a government official with a crime. The House of Representatives and the Senate hold the trial.

Judicial Review

when the judiciary deems the actions of the legislature as unconstitutional 

National Supremacy

States must follow national laws and treaties

Popular Sovereignty

the people are the one who give the government consent to rule 

Reserved Powers

Powers that are reserved for the states, these powers aren’t in given to the national government through the constitution and as such they (the powers) remade with the states

Separation of Power

the constitutional division of governmental powers; executive enforces, legislatives legalize policies/legislation; and the judicial judges

Social Contract

ndividuals adhere to the creation of a government in order for their rights to be protected. The citizens give the government their power

Supremacy Cause

The federal government/law is the supreme law of the land and as long as they aren’t acting unconstitutionally their decree takes priority over any local or state policies.

3/5 compromise

Slaves count at 3/5ths of a person; this adds more representatives in the house of representatives.

Veto

the executive’s power to reject a bill passed by the legislative  

The Great Compromise

each state would have 2 senators no matter their size 

Necessary and Proper Clause

congress has the power to enact any laws that help them fulfill their objective as long as it doesn’t obstruct the constitution