AP Government Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for AP Government review.

Declaration of Independence

Justifies American independence by explaining natural rights and the social contract.

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. government framework; gave states most power and created a weak central government.

U.S. Constitution

Replaced the Articles and created a stronger federal government with separation of powers and checks and balances.

Federalist No. 10

Warned about factions; argued that a large republic can control them.

Federalist No. 51

Advocated for checks and balances and separation of powers.

Federalist No. 70

Argued for a single, strong executive (president) to ensure accountability and energy.

Federalist No. 78

Defended the judicial branch; said it was the weakest branch and stressed the importance of judicial review.

Brutus No. 1

Argued that a large republic would lead to loss of personal liberty and ineffective government.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

Defends nonviolent protest against unjust laws and urges direct action for civil rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that the government's power comes from the people.

Republicanism

A system where people elect representatives to make and enforce laws.

Limited Government

A government whose powers are defined and restricted by a constitution.

Federalism

A division of power between national and state governments.

Participatory Democracy

Citizens have broad participation in politics and policy-making.

Pluralist Democracy

Groups compete to influence public policy (e.g., interest groups).

Elite Democracy

A small number of wealthy or educated people influence political decisions.

Amendment Process

Allows the Constitution to be changed; requires proposal by 2/3 of Congress and ratification by 3/4 of states.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government can limit the power of the others.

Separation of Powers

Divides government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches with distinct powers.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for Congress.

Implied Powers

Powers not written in the Constitution but allowed through interpretation.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Gives Congress the flexibility to make laws needed to carry out its powers.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress power to regulate trade between states and with other countries.

Filibuster

A tactic in the Senate where a senator speaks for a long time to delay a vote.

Cloture

A vote (usually 60 senators) to end a filibuster.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Civil Liberties

Basic freedoms protected from government interference (e.g., speech, religion).

Civil Rights

Protections against discrimination; ensure equal treatment under the law.

Establishment Clause

Government cannot create an official religion or favor one over another.

Free Exercise Clause

People can practice their religion freely (unless it breaks the law).

Due Process Clause

Requires fair legal procedures and protections from government abuse.

Equal Protection Clause

Requires states to treat all people equally under the law.

Political Socialization

The process of how people form their political beliefs (family, media, school, etc.).

Political Efficacy

A person's belief that their participation matters and can influence government.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

Groups that raise and donate money to support candidates or issues.

Super PAC

Can raise unlimited money but cannot coordinate directly with candidates.

Interest Groups

Organizations that try to influence government policy based on shared goals.

Iron Triangle

The strong relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies.

Bureaucracy

The many departments and agencies that carry out laws and run the day-to-day work of the government.

Fiscal Policy

Government decisions about taxes and spending to influence the economy.

Monetary Policy

The Federal Reserve's control of the money supply and interest rates to manage the economy.

Mandatory Spending

Required spending by law (e.g., Social Security, Medicare).

Discretionary Spending

Optional spending that Congress decides on yearly (e.g., defense, education).

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Landmark case that established judicial review.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Students have free speech rights in schools (black armbands).

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Recognized a woman’s right to choose an abortion under the right to privacy.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

School-led prayer violates the Establishment Clause.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Right to an attorney applies to state courts.