Unit 1 - AP Government & Politics Vocabulary

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government has specific powers to limit/”check” the others, ensuring no single branch becomse powerful to prevent tyranny and abuse of power by requiring cooperation.

Separations of Powers

The separation of government responsibilities into three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This was created with the purpose of ensuring no single group holds all authority.

Limited Government

The government’s power is restricted by law, protecting individual rights and preventing tyranny.

Federalism

The power of the federal and state governments that is divided and shared.

Natural Rights

The fundamental freedoms individuals possess simply by being human that aren’t granted by government, laws, or customs. The ones primarily defined by philosopher John Locke, would be known as life, liberty, and property (or pursuit of happiness).

Judicial Review

The Supreme Court’s power to examine acts of the branches (plus the state governments) and declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

Popular Sovereignty

The government’s power and legitimacy are created and sustained by the consent of its people, who have the authority.

Rule of Law

All individuals must follow the law, no individual has special privileges (including government officials).

Republicanism (Representative government)

The people vote for a representative who makes laws and decisions for them.

Pluralism

Policy-making becomes a competition among interest groups fighting for power, ensuring no group dominates.

Elitism

Small, wealthy, and well-connected elite class holds the power of the government, using it’s power for their own individual benefit rather than the general public.

Hyperpluralism

When too many interest groups fight for influence, causing the government to function ineffectively.

Social Contract

When individuals surrender some freedoms and submit authority in exchange for the government to protect their remaining rights (life, liberty, and property).

Elite democracy

Where a small, wealthy, and well-educated minority—comprising intellectuals, business leaders, and politicians—holds the majority of political power and influences policy-making.

Participatory democracy

When there is broad and direct participation by citizens in the direction and operation of political systems, rather than relying solely on elected representatives.

Pluralist democracy

Where power is distributed among many competing interest groups, ensuring no single group dominates politics.

Bicameralism

A system of government where the legislature is divided into two separate assemblies or chambers.

Impoundment

The president refuses to spend, or delays spending, funds appropriated by Congress, often to reduce spending or for policy reasons.

Federal Mandate

A requirement, regulation, or order enacted by Congress, federal agencies, or courts that forces state, local, or tribal governments to comply with specific rules, often as a condition of receiving federal funding.

Referendum

A direct vote by the electorate to approve or reject specific legislation, constitutional amendments, or policy proposals, rather than voting for representatives.

Federalists

The people who favored the ratification of the U.S. constitution, supporting a strong central government (republic).

Anti-federalists

The people who favored AGAINST the ratification of the U.S. constitution, supporting stronger state governments.

Faction

A group of individuals united by one interest or goal in order to influence public policy and government issues.

Federalist No. 10

James Madison addresses the dangers of “factions” and argues that a strong Union under the proposed Constitution is the best way to control their effects. Factions arise naturally from differing opinions and economic interests but removing them entirely would violate individual liberties. Instead, a large republic dilutes their influence by encompassing a wider variety of interests, making it harder for any single faction to dominate. Representatives in a large republic are also more likely to prioritize the public good over narrow interests. By uniting the states under a federal government, the Constitution prevents factions from destabilizing the system, ensuring justice, stability, and the protection of all citizens’ rights.

Brutus 1

The document argues that the proposed Constitution creates a centralized national government that is too powerful to safely govern a large republic like the United States. The author contends that a vast territory with diverse interests will inevitably lead representatives to prioritize their own power over the public good, weakening accountability and threatening individual liberties. He warns that the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Supremacy Clause will allow federal authority to expand beyond its intended limits, ultimately overshadowing state governments. Brutus also expresses concern that a standing army and a federal judiciary with life tenure could further entrench national power. Overall, the essay concludes that the Constitution lacks sufficient safeguards—especially a bill of rights—and risks paving the way toward tyranny rather than preserving the freedoms won in the Revolution.

Declaration of Independence

The document asserts that all people possess inherent rights—such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed to protect those rights. When a government becomes destructive, the people have the authority to alter or abolish it. The document then outlines a series of grievances against King George III, accusing him of abusing power, violating colonial rights, and imposing unjust laws and taxes. Based on these violations, the colonies declare themselves free and independent states, no longer subject to British rule, and entitled to govern themselves.

Revenue Sharing

Federal funds are distributed to state and local governments.

Necessary & Proper Clause (Elastic)

Congress can establish laws “necessary and proper” to carrying out its enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

Congress can regulate interstate trade/commerce.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law surpasses state law.

10th Amendment

Any power not explicitly listed in the Constitution belongs to the people and the states.

14th Amendment