ap gov unit 1

Federalist

Those at the Constitutional Convention who favored a strong national government and a system of separated powers.

Anti-federalist

Those at the Constitutional Convention who favored strong state governments and feared that a strong national government would threaten their rights.

Enumerated powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress, the president, or SCOTUS in the first three articles of the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers supported by the Constitution that aren’t expressly stated in it; often defined by SCOTUS.

Concurrent powers

Responsibilities for particular policy areas that are shared by federal, state, and local governments.

Reserved powers

Powers not given to the national government by the Constitution or not prohibited to the states, reserved to the states or the people.

Factions

A group of citizens with common interests who influence others to join their group.

Tyranny of the majority

A faction’s interests influencing a majority of citizens, prevailing over government and minority rights.

Popular sovereignty

The idea that the government is authorized by citizens and influenced by what they want.

Limited government

A government that is limited in its powers by laws, such as the Constitution, to prevent tyranny.

Federalism

The division of power across local, state, and national levels of government.

Separation of powers

The division of power across three branches of government, each with its own main power.

Checks and balances

Giving one branch power over the other two branches of government.

Participatory democracy

A democracy in which citizens are directly involved in proposing and voting for laws.

Pluralist democracy

A democracy in which each citizen has equal influence over government politics within factions.

Elitist democracy

A democracy in which elected representatives make decisions with skills and education.

Shay’s Rebellion

An armed uprising led by Daniel Shays in response to economic chaos and the loss of farmers' lands.

Commerce clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among several states and foreign lands.

Supremacy clause

States that national law is the supreme law of the land, taking precedence over state law.

Necessary and proper clause

Gives Congress the power to pass all laws related to its expressed powers.

Full faith and credit clause

Each state’s laws must be honored by other states.

Judicial review

Ability of SCOTUS to strike down a law or executive branch action as unconstitutional.

Block grants

Federal aid provided to states for a specific policy area, allowing states to decide how to spend it.

Categorical grants

Federal aid given to state or local governments for a specific purpose.

Dual federalism

National and state governments are seen as distinct entities providing separate services.

Cooperative federalism

National and state governments work together to provide services efficiently.

Picket fence federalism

A refined form of cooperative federalism where policymakers across levels of government collaborate.

Ideology

A cohesive set of ideas and beliefs used to organize and evaluate the political world.

Conservative

Defined by support for lower taxes, a free market, and more limited government.

Liberal

Defined by support for stronger government programs and more market regulations.

Natural rights

Unalienable rights known as "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness," considered central to government purpose.

Social contract

The legitimacy of the state defined by the agreement that government protects people's rights and freedoms.

Power of the purse

Control over taxation and spending.

10th amendment

Interpreted to protect state power and limit national government reach.

Privileges and immunities clause

Requires states to treat visitors as their own residents to promote commerce and travel.

Unfunded mandates

Federal laws requiring states to act without providing funding for implementation.

Consent of the governed

The idea that government gains legitimacy through participation in elections.

Libertarian

Those preferring limited government, conservative on welfare but liberal on personal liberties.

Culture wars

Political conflict in the U.S. between strong religious beliefs and more nonreligious perspectives.

Federal preemption

Allows federal law to override state or local laws that conflict with it.