AP Gov Unit 1 Terms

Democratic Ideals

Natural rights, social contract, limited government

Popular Sovereignty

Gov. received its power to govern FROM the people. Peeps also have the right and responsibility to overthrow this government if it doesn’t protect their rights.

Pluralist Democracy

Power is held largely in the hands of organized groups of citizens who fight for a common goal. EX: ACLU, NRA, BLM

Elite Democracy

Wealthy and educated elite are those who hold the real power and make decisions for the population. EX: Electoral College

Participatory Democracy

power is based on the participation of individual citizens. EX: town hall meetings, contacting representatives

Great Compromise

Compromise about representation in Congress (Solution: Virginia and New Jersey Plan)

Electoral College

Electors chosen from the state would be the ones to elect the president

3/5ths Compromise

Each enslaved person counted as 3/5ths of a person

Compromise on the Importation of Enslaved Persons

Congress could not ban the slave trade until 1808

Factions

Groups of people sharing a common belief that threatens the rights of other citizens or community intersests.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

grants Congress the power to pass all laws “necessary and proper” for carrying out enumerated powers

Supremacy Clause (Supreme Law of the Land)

Federal law takes precedence (more important) over state laws

Enumerated Powers

taxing, declaring war, regulating commerce, raising armies

Implied Powers

Not explicitly said but exist because Necessary to have (creation of agencies like IRS)

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate foregin commerce, interstate commerce

Categorical Grants

Money given to states with specific rules (money spent for strict / one specific area of spending)

Blcok Grants

Money given to states with loose rules (states use as they wish)

Mandates

Federal requirements on states

Funded Mandate

Gov. gives states money to carry out mandate

Unfunded Mandate

States carry out the mandate without fed. funding