AP US Government and Politics Unit 1A Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering Unit 1A concepts in AP US Government and Politics.

Limited government

A government whose powers are restricted and checked by constitutional constraints; ensured by separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and republicanism.

Natural rights

Rights inherent to all people that cannot be rightfully taken away.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Republicanism

The idea that the will of the people is expressed through elected representatives.

Social contract

Implicit agreement among the people to surrender some freedoms in exchange for social order and protection.

Representative democracy

A system in which eligible citizens vote for representatives to make public policy; includes participatory, pluralist, and elite forms.

Participatory democracy

Emphasizes broad participation by citizens in politics and civil society.

Pluralist democracy

Emphasizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interests influencing policy.

Elite democracy

Emphasizes limited participation in politics and civil society, with influence concentrated among elites.

Declaration of Independence

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson; articulates natural rights and popular sovereignty as the basis for independence.

U.S. Constitution

The framework establishing a system of government with limited powers; a social contract for the United States.

Federalist 10

Argues for a large republic to control factions and discusses delegation of authority to elected representatives and federalism.

Brutus 1

Anti-Federalist criticism favoring small, decentralized republics and warning about the dangers of a large central government.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution; weaknesses included lack of centralized military power, no executive, no national court, no power to regulate commerce, and no power to coin money.

Anti-Federalist

Opponent of ratification of the Constitution who favored stronger state governments.

Federalist

Proponent of ratification of the Constitution and a stronger central government.

Democracy

A system where power is vested in the people and exercised directly or through freely elected representatives.

Faction

A group with shared interests, often contentious or self-serving.

Shays's Rebellion

1786-87 armed uprising in western Massachusetts that highlighted weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

Created bicameral Congress: House represented by population and Senate representing states equally.

Electoral College

A system for electing the president via electors from each state, not by popular or congressional vote.

3/5ths Compromise

Formula counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting that produced the United States Constitution, originally to revise the Articles.

Article V / Amendment process

Amending the Constitution requires two-thirds in both houses or two-thirds of states to propose, with three-fourths of states ratifying.

Ratification

Formal approval of the Constitution by state ratifying conventions; requires nine of thirteen states.

Separation of powers

Distribution of governmental powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent concentration of power.

Checks and balances

System allowing branches to limit each other's powers and safeguard against abuse.

Federalist 51

Explains how separation of powers and checks and balances deter abuses by majorities.

Judicial Review

Power of the courts to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional; established by Marbury v. Madison (1803).