AP Gov Unit 1

Limited Government

A principle that government power is restricted by law to protect individual rights. It is implemented through the Constitution using separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and republicanism. Prevents tyranny by ensuring no branch or level of government becomes too powerful.

Natural Rights

Rights that all people inherently possess, such as life, liberty, and property. These are rooted in John Locke's philosophy and heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence. Natural rights are considered 'unalienable' and justify the right to rebel against oppressive governments.

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that the government's power comes from the consent of the people. It's reflected in elections, voting rights, and the idea that people can alter or abolish government through democratic means. Central to the Declaration of Independence.

Republicanism

A form of government in which people elect representatives to create and enforce laws. It contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws themselves. The U.S. Constitution establishes a republican form of government at the federal and state levels.

Social Contract

Political theory that people give up certain freedoms in exchange for protection and order provided by government. Developed by Rousseau and Locke, it's the foundation of democratic government. If the contract is broken by the government, the people have the right to revolt.

Mayflower Compact

1620 document signed by Pilgrims establishing self-government based on majority rule. It's the first example of colonial self-governance in North America and influenced the development of representative government in the U.S.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between national and state governments. Allows for local experimentation and responsiveness while maintaining national unity. Examples: education (state) vs. military (federal).

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Article IV clause requiring each state to recognize the official documents and civil judgments of other states (e.g., marriage licenses, driver's licenses). Promotes legal consistency across states.

Extradition Clause

Part of Article IV of the Constitution requiring states to return individuals charged with a crime to the state where the crime occurred. Ensures justice across state lines.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

States cannot discriminate against citizens of other states in most situations. Exceptions include in-state tuition and hunting licenses. Promotes equality across states.

Supremacy Clause

Article VI of the Constitution establishing that federal laws and the Constitution override conflicting state laws. Important in federal vs. state power debates.

10th Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights stating that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people. Basis for state sovereignty and limited federal power.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Also called the 'Elastic Clause,' it gives Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers. Used to justify implied powers (e.g., establishing a national bank).

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the authority to regulate interstate and international commerce. It has been used to expand federal power—until challenged in cases like U.S. v. Lopez.

Federalist #10

Written by James Madison, this essay argues that a large republic is the best way to guard against factions. Factions are inevitable, but in a large republic, no single group can dominate national policy.

Brutus #1

Anti-Federalist paper arguing that the Constitution gave too much power to the federal government. Supported small republics and participatory democracy; warned that a standing army and distant government would lead to tyranny.

Federalist #51

Written by James Madison, it defends the structure of the Constitution by explaining the importance of separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the U.S. Created a weak central government with no power to tax or regulate commerce. Failed to unify states effectively, leading to its replacement by the Constitution.

Shays' Rebellion

1786 uprising of farmers in Massachusetts protesting debt and taxes. Showed the inability of the national government (under the Articles of Confederation) to respond to crises. Led to calls for a stronger central government.

Great Compromise

Agreement at the Constitutional Convention combining the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan. Created a bicameral legislature: House of Representatives (population-based) and Senate (equal representation).

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement to count 3 of every 5 enslaved persons for both taxation and representation. Helped Southern states gain more influence in the House of Representatives.

Electoral College

Method of electing the President. States receive electoral votes equal to their total number of Representatives and Senators. Electors usually vote according to their state's popular vote.

Importation of Slaves Compromise

Constitutional agreement that Congress could not ban the international slave trade until 1808. Reflected the need to compromise with Southern states during ratification.

Amendment Process (Article V)

Method of changing the Constitution. Proposed by 2/3 of Congress or state legislatures and ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures or state conventions. Ensures both national and state involvement.

USA PATRIOT Act

Post-9/11 law expanding government surveillance powers to detect terrorism. Sparked debate over how much liberty should be sacrificed for security.

Participatory Democracy

Emphasizes broad participation of citizens in politics and civil society. Seen in initiatives, referendums, town halls, protests. Reflects the idea that democracy works best when everyone has a voice.

Pluralist Democracy

Political power is distributed among competing interest groups that seek to influence public policy (e.g., NRA, ACLU). Encourages compromise and prevents domination by one group.

Elite Democracy

Political system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a small, educated, or wealthy elite. Examples include the Electoral College and lifetime-appointed federal judges.

Maryland (1819)

Landmark case affirming Congress's authority to create a national bank (via implied powers) and declaring states cannot tax the federal government.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Struck down the Gun-Free School Zones Act as exceeding Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

Devolution

The process of returning power from the federal government to the states, emphasizing local control.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for a specific purpose, often with conditions attached.

Block Grants

Federal funds given for a general purpose, allowing states more discretion.

Mandates

Requirements imposed by the federal government on states.

Education and Federalism

Education is a reserved power under the 10th Amendment, but the 14th Amendment has been used to apply equal protection to public education.

Multiple Access Points

Refers to the various levels and branches of government where citizens and interest groups can influence public policy.

Consent of the Governed

The idea that a government's legitimacy comes from the will of the people.

Montesquieu

French Enlightenment thinker who influenced the Constitution through his ideas on separation of powers.

Checks and Balances

System where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others.

Separation of Powers

Divides government responsibilities among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Federal Revenue Sharing

Program where the federal government gave states money with few strings attached.

Dual Federalism

Also called 'layer cake' federalism; state and federal governments have distinct areas of responsibility.

Cooperative Federalism

Also called 'marble cake' federalism; national, state, and local governments work together to solve problems.