Chapter 1: The American Government

AP United States Government

plank

A specific stance or policy position articulated by a political party in their platform, outlining their beliefs or concerns on various issues.

popular vote

The total number of votes cast by registered voters from the general public on Election Day, reflecting the direct choice of the electorate.

electoral vote

Votes granted to a candidate based on their victory in the popular vote within each state, crucial for determining the outcome of presidential elections.

electoral college

A group consisting of 538 electors, established by the U.S. Constitution, that formally elects the president and vice president of the United States.

majority

The required minimum number of electoral votes (270) that a candidate must obtain to win the presidency, indicating support from over half of the electors.

faithless electors

Electors who disregard their pledge to vote for the winner of their state's popular vote, potentially influencing election outcomes.

democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives, ensuring broad participation in decision-making.

republic

A form of governance where representatives are elected by the citizenry to make decisions on their behalf, following an established legal framework.

Conservatism

A political ideology that emphasizes the maintenance of traditional institutions and values, advocating for gradual or minimal change in society.

Liberalism

A political ideology calling for proactive government engagement to promote social equality, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities.

battleground states

States that are highly competitive in elections, with no clear majority for one party, thus playing a critical role in determining the overall election results.

Obergefell v. Hodges

A landmark Supreme Court decision in 2015 that recognized the constitutional right to same-sex marriage, requiring all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Fourteenth Amendment

An important constitutional amendment that guarantees equal protection under the law for all individuals and addresses issues of citizenship and civil rights.

Habeas Corpus

A legal principle that protects an individual's right to not be imprisoned without a legitimate charge being filed, ensuring lawful detention practices.

national debt

The total amount of money that a country's government has borrowed and still owes to creditors, representing the accumulation of annual budget deficits.

political elites

Individuals who possess substantial influence and power in political decision-making, often without holding an elected office, impacting policies and governance.

Second Amendment

The constitutional amendment that protects the individual right of citizens to keep and bear arms, often a subject of significant debate regarding gun control.

capital punishment

The judicially sanctioned execution of an individual as a penalty for a convicted crime, often involving serious offenses such as murder.

Death Penalty

A legal consequence imposed by the state that results in the execution of a convicted person, functioning as a form of punishment for severe crimes.

Democratic Party

A major U.S. political party that typically advocates for progressive policies, social justice, and the expansion of civil rights and liberties.

Republican Party

One of the two major U.S. political parties, generally promoting conservative policies, limited government, and free-market principles.

Taxes

Mandatory financial contributions imposed by the government on individuals and businesses, utilized to fund governmental functions and public services.

Electors

Individuals chosen by political parties who have the responsibility of casting votes in the Electoral College for president and vice president after a general election.

Census

A systematic count of the population conducted every ten years in the United States, used to inform government representation and resource distribution.

Amendment VIII

The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments, safeguarding individual rights.