The Ultimate Guide to AP United States Government and Politics (copy)

Enlightenment

An 18th-century philosophical movement emphasizing reason over tradition in solving social problems.

Social Contract

The agreement between individuals and government where some freedoms are sacrificed for government protection.

Natural Rights

Rights such as life, liberty, and property believed to be granted by God and must be protected by the government.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Republicanism

A political philosophy that emphasizes individualism, natural rights, and civic participation through elected representatives.

Federalism

A system of government where power is shared between national and state governments.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak central government.

Unicameral vs. Bicameral

Unicameral refers to a single-chamber legislature; Bicameral refers to a two-chamber legislature.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that enslaved people would be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to examine and invalidate laws or actions that violate the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

A governance model that divides responsibilities among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Lobbying

The practice of influencing legislators and officials in making decisions on legislation.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President.

Incumbent Advantage

The electoral advantage gained by those already in office.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy where people directly participate in decision making.

Participatory Democracy

A type of democracy emphasizing broad participation of constituents in the political process.

Popularity Sovereignty

The principle that government power is derived from the consent of the governed.

Affirmative Action

Policies aimed at improving opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

Mandate

The authority granted by a constituency to act as its representative.

Imminent Danger Test

A legal test determining whether speech can be restricted based on its potential to provoke immediate lawless action.