AP Gov - Exam 1

Government

System for implementing decisions made through political processes.

Significant as it keeps order since making political decisions is an impossible job for one person.

US v. Lopez

US Court case that struck down a federal law regulating the possession of firearms around school.

Important as it was the first time the court restricted Congress’s power to pass legislation.

Block Grants

Federal aid given to state or local government regarding a policy area.

Significant as it gives states more power than categorical grants since states can choose where to spend the money.

Categorical Grants

Federal aid given to state or local governments for a specific purpose.

Significant as it gives the federal government more power as they can choose where the money goes.

Coercive Federalism

Federal government pressures states to change their policies by using regulations, mandates, or conditions.

Important as the government is able to influence state governments without going against reserved powers.

Separation of Powers

Division of government into the judicial, legislative, and executive branches.

Important as it not only divides responsibilities, but it also ensures to branch has power over the other through checks and balances.

Factions

Political groups formed around a set of beliefs to influence the government.

Significant as a lot of factions creates more balance as opinions are diluted and reflect the majority more.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government has some power over the others.

Significant as it makes sure no branch has too much power and protects from tyranny.

Federalism

The separation of power between federal and state levels of government

Allows for regional self-rule which creates more policies suited for the area.

Politics

The process of determining what government does.

Allows for people to make planned decisions that are created with majority in mind.

Ideology

A cohesive set of ideas and beliefs used to organize and evaluate the political world

Ideology allows for the forming of communities and provides a sense of identity, whether that be liberal or conservative

Conservative

A political ideology that favors a small federal government and more individual liberties.

Creates discussion and argues for more traditional beliefs and questions newer ideas.

Liberal

A political ideology that favors a large federal government and is generally associated with Democrats.

Creates discussions with other political parties as Liberals have more progressive and modern ideas that go against older ideas

Democracy

Government by the people; fair elections with at least two options

Always ensures people can find and elect a candidate with similar views so they can have political representation

Liberty

Rights protected by the bill of rights like freedom of speech or press

Grants people the right for individuals to participate in government by voting and holding public office, leading to more diverse opinions in government that represent people more.

Equality

The principle that all individuals have the same rights and opportunities under the law.

Everyone has equal chance to make their opinions heard in government either through voting or by running for office

Picket-fence Federalism

A type of federalism where policy makers in a policy area work together across the levels of government

People can get their inputs heard easier as local governments collaborate with federal governments leading to more representation

Cooperative federalsim

Nation and state governments work together to provide services efficiently

Every level of government can collaborate so people can reach the federal government easier and get their thoughts to be heard

McCulloch v. Maryland

A supreme court case where Maryland tried to tax the national bank but was struck down, establishing that federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Affirmed the doctrine of implied powers, allowing Congress to use powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people.

It emphasizes the principle of federalism by affirming that states have significant authority and autonomy in governance.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution and are therefore reserved for the states.

Makes sure states have some power and as a result have a check on national tyranny

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by the national and state governments

Allow for a balance of power between state and federal authorities, enabling cooperation in governance.

Exclusive Powers

Policy-making responsibilities that are exercised by only the national government

Help define the division of responsibilities between federal and state governments, ensuring a balance of power.They promote national cohesion by centralizing certain critical functions, such as defense and foreign affairs.

Implied Powers

Powers supported by the Constitution that are not expressly stated in it

Allows the Constitution to still be in place today as it is flexible enough to satisfy modern problems

Marbury v. Madison

Supreme Court case where the justice department declared that part of a law passed by Congress was unconstitutional

Established the principle that the Supreme Court has the authority to review acts of Congress and determine their constitutionality. Added another check on Congress’s power.

Brutus 1

An Anti-Federalist document that advocated for a small, decentralized republic as well as individual liberties

Ensured that the Bill of Rights was passed and that no tyranny could be done to American citizens

3/5 Compromise

Determined that slaves would be counted as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

Crucial in balancing the interests of slaveholding states and non-slaveholding states. Also increased representation in states.

Supremacy Clause

Article VI, section 2: Nation laws trump state laws if the two conflict

Promotes uniformity in the application of laws across states and provides a framework for resolving conflicts between state and federal legislation.

Pluralism

The idea that a lot of beliefs creates a strong government

Discussion and compromises mean that laws or policies will be able satisfy a wider range of people

Federalist 10

Central issue of government is controlling factions

Relates to pluralism, where a lot of ideas will cancel out the ones driven by self-interest. Also played a big role in the creation of as strong federal government.

Federalist 51

Foundation document that influenced checks and balances between branches

Creates a balanced government where no branch has too much power over another and ensures tyranny will not exist.

Popular Sovereignty

Government gains legitimacy though “consent of the governed” as people elect leaders

Makes sure government’s power comes from the people and no tyrannical actions can happen

Republicanism

Interests of the people are represented through elected leaders

In place to reject monarchy and ensure representatives reflect the views of the people

Articles of Confederation

First attempt at a new government which failed due to restricting the national government too much

Established that a stronger federal government was needed that has the ability to raise taxes among other powers

Declaration of Independence

Declared colonies’ independence from Britain.

Gave a sense of equality and liberty to the states which became the core of the constitution