AP Gov Unit 1

limited government

system where government’s powers are restricted by law, usually in a constitution, to protect rights of citizens and individuals

natural rights

the fundamental freedoms (life, liberty, property) people are born with according to Locke that governments should be established to protect

social contract

agreement of people consenting to be governed in exchange of the protection of their rights

popular sovereignty

the principle that the authority of the government comes from the people

Declaration of Independence

1776 document that declared the American colonies independent from Britain, highlighting the grievances of George III

Articles of Confederation

first US governing document from 1781-89, weak because of its extremely limited central government which gave little federal powers and most power to the states

Constitutional Preamble

intro to the constitution with its purposes and guiding principles, “We the people in order to form a more perfect union; establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity; Do ordain and establish this constitution for the USA”

US Constitution

document of the US stating the laws and how government runs, especially with relationship between its states and citizens

Federalist No. 10

essay by James Madison arguing a large republic is best because it can control factions and protect the rights of the minority

Brutus No. 1

anti-Federalist essay warning a large republic would threaten liberty and states rights

Federalists

supported ratification of the constitution and a stronger central government

Anti-Federalists

didn’t want the constitution to be ratified due to fears it would expand the federal government too much and threaten liberties

Central Government

the national or federal body that governs the whole nation

Republic

government system where citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf

Shays’ Rebellion

1786-87 uprising of Massachusetts farmers protesting debt and taxation, which highlighted the weaknesses of the AOC

The Federalist Papers

essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and John Jay, in 1788, pushing for a stronger central government and the ratification of the constitution

Virginia Plan

proposal for a two-house legislature with representation based on population

New Jersey Plan

proposal for a one-house legislature with equal rep for each state

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

agreement which created a bicameral Congress (two house) with one house based on population and the other with equal state representation

3/5ths Compromise

agreement counting enslaved people as 3/5ths a person for representation and taxation of states

Slave Trade Compromise

allowed the Atlantic slave trade to continue with the rule it would end in 1808

Ex Post Facto Law

retroactively (with effect from a date from the past) criminalizes actions, which Congress forbids

Bill of Attainder

legislative act declaring someone guilty without trial which is prohibited by the constitution

Electoral College

body of representatives in the House which elects the US president

Full Faith and Credit Clause

requirement states honor public acts, records, and judicial decisions of other states

amendment process

requirement that to make change in the constitution, amendments can be proposed with 2/3 of both houses voting for and ¾ of the states

supremacy clause

constitutional provision that federal law overrides state laws that conflict

ratification

formal approval of the constitution, applies now with documents or constitutional amendments

checks and balances

how the US government is set up in three branches where all can limit the powers of each other

separation of powers

division of government powers into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches

Federalist No. 51

Madison’s explanation of how separation of powers and checks and balances protect liberties

impeachment

process of charging a government official for misconduct under the law

commerce clause

power of Congress to regulate trade between states and with other nations

Enumerated powers

given by the constitution specifically to the federal government to tax, borrow money, regulate commerce, declare war, establish courts

delegated powers

transfer of powers from one higher to a lower

expressed powers

explicitly granted to the federal government

formal powers

powers granted to the president which include their rank as the Commander in Chief, treatymaking, veto power, pardons, state of the union address, and calling congress into session in rare cases

Implied powers

powers not expressly listed in the constitution but inferred from the necessary and proper cause

concurrent (shared) powers

powers exercised by both state and federal govs

reserved powers

powers kept by the states under the 10th amendment

necessary and proper clause

provision allowing Congress to make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers

Devolution

transfer of power from the fed gov to state or local govs

Dual (“Layer Cake”) Federalism

system where state and national govs operate separately in their own areas of authority

Cooperative (“Marble Cake”) Federalism

system where state and national govs share responsibilities and work together

Fiscal Federalism

use of federal funds to influence state policies through grants and other tools

Grants

money given by the federal gov to states or localities for specific purposes

Categorical Grants

federal funds given for a narrowly defined purpose with specific conditions attatched

Block Grants

federal funds for broad purposes, more flexibility in spending

Revenue-Sharing

federal distribution of tax money to state and local governments with few restrictions

Mandates

federal requirements states must follow, often without funding

Americans with Disabilities Act

1990 law prohibiting discrimination based on disability and requiring accessibility accomodations

10th amendment

powers not given to the federal government belongs to the states or the people

Participatory democracy

emphasizes direct involvement of citizens in decision-making

Pluralist democracy

multiple groups compete to influence policy

Elite Democracy

small group of powerful people make most decisions in a democratic system

Hyperpluralism theory

theory too many competing groups can lead to policy gridlock and weakened government effectiveness

Advantages of Federalism

local control, policy innovation, protection of individual liberties

Disadvantages of Federalism

policy inequality, confusion, conflict between state and national laws

Unitary System

all key powers held by the central government

Confederate system

loose alliance of independent states with a weak central gov

Federal System

divides powers between the state and national governments