AP Gov Unit 1 Vocab

Anarchy

The absence of government or authority; a state of lawlessness.

Government

The institutions and processes through which public policies are made and enforced.

Politics

the struggle over power and influence in society.

Sovereignty

The ultimate authority within a territory to make and enforce laws without outside interference.

Democracy

A system of government where power is derived from the people, typically through free and fair elections.

Plutocracy

Government or political control by the wealthy.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution (1781-1789), which created a weak national government with most power held by the states.

Public Policy

The decisions, laws, and actions that government takes on issues affecting society.

Federalists

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution during ratification, favoring a stronger central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution, favoring stronger state governments and fearing a too-powerful national government.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds given to states/localities for specific, narrowly defined purposes, often with conditions attached.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both state and federal governments (e.g., taxing, borrowing money).

Commerce Clause

Constitutional provision (Article I, Section 8) giving Congress power to regulate interstate and foreign trade.

Confederal System

A political system where states hold most of the power, and the central government is weak

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between national and state governments.

Devolution

The transfer of power and responsibility from the federal government to state or local governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers not given to the national government but kept by the states under the 10th Amendment.

Unitary System

A political system in which all key powers are held by the central (national) government.

Mandates

Federal requirements that states or local governments must follow, sometimes unfunded.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution (e.g., coin money, declare war).

"Necessary and Proper Clause"

Also called the Elastic Clause (Article I, Section 8); gives Congress power to make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

Constitutional provision (Article VI) stating that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over conflicting state laws.