AP Government Unit One Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from AP Government Unit One.

Enlightenment

A European intellectual movement in the 18th century influencing the framers of the U.S. Constitution.

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to humans, not granted by a monarch, discussed by Enlightenment thinkers.

Social Contract

The theory that people give up some of their freedoms to a government in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the power of governing belongs to the people.

Republicanism

A form of government where elected representatives make laws on behalf of the people.

Federalism

The sharing of power between national and state governments.

Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights

The principle that while the majority has the power to make decisions, minority rights must also be protected.

Federalist 10

An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic can mitigate the dangers of factions.

Brutus 1

An anti-federalist essay arguing against a strong centralized government and in favor of state power.

The Great Compromise

Established a bicameral Congress with representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement counting three-fifths of the enslaved individuals for congressional representation.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relationship between federal and state governments, involving grants and mandates.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to state or local governments for specific purposes, with strict regulations.

Block Grants

Federal funds given with fewer restrictions, allowing states more discretion in spending.

Unfunded Mandates

Regulations imposed on states without federal funding to help comply.

10th Amendment

The Constitutional provision that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Clause in the Constitution allowing Congress to make laws deemed necessary to execute its powers.

Supremacy Clause

Constitutional provision stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.