AP GOV Unit 3 Vocab

Civil Liberties

Fundamental freedoms protected from government interference, mostly found in the Bill of Rights (e.g., speech, religion, due process).

Due Process of Law

The constitutional requirement (5th & 14th Amendments) that the government must follow fair procedures and protect individual rights before depriving someone of life, liberty, or property.

Establishment Clause

Part of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from creating or endorsing an official religion.

Exclusionary Rule

A judicial rule that evidence obtained illegally (violating the 4th Amendment) cannot be used in court.

Free Exercise Clause

Part of the First Amendment that protects individuals’ rights to practice any religion—or none at all—without government interference.

Lemon Test

A three-part test from Lemon v. Kurtzman used to determine whether a law violates the Establishment Clause:

1. It must have a secular purpose,

2. Its primary effect must neither advance nor inhibit religion,

3. It must not cause excessive government entanglement with religion.

Libel

Written statements that are false and intentionally damaging to a person’s reputation.

Miller Test

A three-part test from Miller v. California to determine whether speech is obscene and not protected by the First Amendment:

1. Prurient interest- The work appeals to a shameful or morbid interest in sex, judged by the “average person” applying “contemporary community standards”

2. Patently offensive- The work depicts or describes sexual conduct, or excretory functions, in a way that is “patently offensive”. This part is defined by state laws

3. Serious value- The work lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value, as judged by a reasonable person on a na

Search Warrant

A court order authorizing law enforcement to search a specific place for specific evidence.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause, on a case by case or right by right basis

Symbolic Speech

Non-verbal expression protected by the First Amendment (e.g., flag burning, armbands).

Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions

Reasonable limits governments can place on speech as long as they are content-neutral and leave open alternative ways to express ideas.

USA Freedom Act

A 2015 law that reformed the Patriot Act by limiting bulk data collection and increasing oversight of surveillance.

Affirmative Action

Policies that aim to increase opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, especially in hiring and college admissions.

Civil Disobedience

Non-violent, purposeful breaking of unjust laws to bring about social or political change.

Civil Rights

Protections against discrimination based on characteristics like race, gender, or disability, ensuring equal treatment under the law.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the 14th Amendment requiring states to treat individuals equally under the law.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

A proposed constitutional amendment stating that rights cannot be denied based on sex; passed Congress but was never fully ratified.

Equality of Condition / Outcome

The idea that society should ensure that everyone ends up with similar economic or social outcomes.

Equality of Opportunity

The principle that individuals should have the same chances to succeed, even if outcomes differ.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws enforcing racial segregation and discrimination in the South (late 1800s–mid-1900s).

National Organization for Women (NOW)

A leading feminist advocacy group founded in 1966, working for women’s rights and equality (e.g., workplace equity, reproductive rights).

Separate-but-Equal

Doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) allowing racial segregation as long as facilities were “equal.” Overturned by Brown v. Board of Education.

Suspect Classification

A group (e.g., race, ethnicity) that receives the highest level of judicial scrutiny because discrimination against them is likely unconstitutional.

Title IX

A federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funding (including sports and admissions).