AP Government and Politics Study Kit – Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms and components referenced in the AP Government and Politics Study Kit instructions.

Article of the Constitution

One of seven original sections of the U.S. Constitution; each outlines the structure, powers, and limits of a branch or process of government.

Article I – Legislative Branch

The first constitutional article; students must summarize its powers, limitations, and significant clauses (e.g., Necessary and Proper).

Article II – Executive Branch

Sets up the presidency; to be outlined on flashcards with key powers, limits, and notable clauses (e.g., Commander-in-Chief).

Article III – Judicial Branch

Establishes the federal judiciary; flashcards should cover its powers, limits, and important clauses such as judicial tenure.

Amendment

A formal change or addition to the Constitution; flashcards require number, summary, impact, and relevant Supreme Court cases.

Thematic Cluster

A grouping of amendments by common subject (e.g., voting rights); students organize amendment cards using these clusters.

Foundational Document

One of nine key writings (e.g., Federalist No. 10) that shaped the Constitution; flashcards must list main ideas and modern relevance.

Supreme Court Case

One of fourteen landmark decisions to be flash-carded with facts, constitutional issues, ruling, reasoning, and significance.

Key Powers

Specific authorities granted to a branch or level of government that must be detailed on article or amendment cards.

Limitations

Constitutional restrictions on governmental power; required on each article flashcard.

Significant Clause

An important sentence or phrase (e.g., Commerce Clause) within an article or amendment to be highlighted on cards.

Impact on Law and Society

The practical effect an amendment or case has had on American legal doctrine and daily life—part of every back-of-card summary.

Constitutional Issue

A question about how the Constitution applies; must be identified for each Supreme Court case flashcard.

Court’s Rationale

The legal reasoning behind a Supreme Court decision; a required element on case flashcards.

Legal Reasoning

The method the Court uses to interpret the Constitution and reach a decision—summarized on each case card.

Case Significance

The lasting importance or precedent set by a Supreme Court ruling; included on the back of every case flashcard.