AP GOV - Unit 1 VOCAB

Representative democracy

A system where citizens elect leaders to make decisions on their behalf.

Constitutional democracy

A government that limits its powers through a constitution and relies on the consent of the governed.

Participatory democracy

A model of democracy that emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society.

Pluralist democracy

A model of democracy where multiple groups compete for power and influence over policy.

Elite democracy

A model of democracy where a small number of wealthy or well-educated individuals influence political decisions.

Social contract

An agreement where individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and order from a government.

Statism

A political system in which the state has substantial centralized control over social and economic affairs.

Popular consent

The idea that the government must derive its powers from the approval of the people.

Plurality

The largest share of votes or support, even if it is not a majority.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government comes from the people.

Limited government

A political system in which legal limits are placed on the powers of government.

Theocracy

A government run by religious leaders or based on religious laws.

Shay's Rebellion

A 1786 revolt by farmers protesting debt and economic injustices, highlighting weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Bicameralism

A legislative structure with two chambers, such as the U.S. Congress with the Senate and House of Representatives.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong central government with representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for equal representation for each state in a unicameral legislature.

Connecticut Compromise

An agreement combining the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, creating a bicameral legislature with proportional and equal representation.

Separation of powers

Division of government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Impoundment

A presidential refusal to spend money appropriated by Congress.

Direct primary

An election where voters choose candidates to represent a party in the general election.

Referendum

A process that allows citizens to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature.

Executive privilege

The president's right to keep certain communications confidential from Congress or the courts.

Custom and usage

Traditions and practices that shape the operation of government without being written into law.

Devolution revolution

The effort to shift power from the federal government to the states.

Federalism

A system where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

Unitary system

A government system where all power is held by a central authority.

Confederation

A union of independent states that delegate limited powers to a central government.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states with broad guidelines for how they can be used.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for a specific purpose and with strict rules on their use.

Express powers

Powers specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred through the necessary and proper clause.

Necessary and proper clause

A constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to make laws needed to carry out its expressed powers.

Inherent powers

Powers that are assumed by the national government simply because it is a sovereign state.

Commerce clause

A constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to regulate trade between states and with foreign nations.

Federal mandates

Federal requirements imposed on state and local governments, sometimes without funding.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by both the national and state governments, such as the power to tax.

Full faith and credit clause

A clause that requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Interstate compact

An agreement between two or more states that must be approved by Congress.

National supremacy

The principle that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

Unfunded Mandate

A requirement imposed by the federal government on state or local governments without providing funds to implement it.

Preemption

The principle that federal law overrides state or local laws in certain areas.

Centralists

People who favor national action over state or local action.

Decentralists

People who favor state or local action over national action.

Revenue sharing

The distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments with few restrictions.