APGOV All Vocab

Centralist

someone who believes the national government should have more power than state or local governments

Dual federalism

national and state governments each have their own separate powers and responsibilities, like a layer cake, not overlapping

block grant

a large sum of money given by the federal government to state or local governments for a more broad purpose, allowing them flexibility in how they spend it: improving public health or education. No guidelines or “strings” attached

categorical grant

money given by the federal government to state or local governments for a specific purpose with strict guidelines, like education or building highways

decentralist

someone who believes state and local governments should have more power than the national government

cooperative federalism

national and state governments work together to solve problems and share powers and responsibilities

new federalism

returning power from the national government back to the states, giving them more control over how federal funds are used

preemption

national government overrides or takes priority over state or local laws in areas were they conflict, based on the supremacy clause.

federalism

a system of government where power is divided between the national government and state governments

bicameral legislature

a lawmaking body made up of 2 separate chambers or houses, like US Congress, with house or representatives and senate

concurrent powers

powers shared by both the national and state governments, like taxing, building roads, and creating courts

direct democracy

a system where citizens vote directly on laws and politics instead of electing representatives to make decisions for them

enumerated powers

specific powers listed in the Constitution that are given to the National government, like coining money, regulating trade, and declaring war

indirect democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make laws and decisions on their behalf

participatory democracy

a system or citizens have broad participation in government decisions directly influencing policies and laws, citizens have the power to pass public policy (laws)

separation of powers

the division of government into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial —each with its own responsibilities to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

unicameral

a legislator that only has one chamber or house, unlike a bikeram roll legislator with two

checks and balances

a system where each branch of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) has the power to limit the others ensuring no one branch becomes too powerful

confederation

a system where independent states or regions have most of the power, in the central government is weak and only handles tests the states agree to give it

elastic clause (necessary and proper clause)

a section of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to make all laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. this allows the government to adapt to changing needs and circumstances

elite democracy

a system where a small group of wealthy, educated, or powerful individuals make important decisions, while the broader population has limited influence

inherent powers

powers at the National government has simply because it is a government, even though they are not specifically listed in the Constitution. These powers are necessary for the government to function effectively, like controlling borders or conducting foreign diplomacy

pluralist democracy

a system or multiple groups, such as interest groups or political parties, influence government decisions. In this system, power is spread out among various groups, and no single group dominates

republic

A form of government in which the people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, rather than having a monarch or dictator in power

shay's Rebellion

an armed Uprising in 1786 to 1787 by struggling Farmers in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays. They protested economic Injustices in the lack of government response to their financial troubles. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger National government, ultimately influencing the drafting of the US Constitution

commerce clause

A section of the US Constitution (article 1 Section 8) that gives Congress the power to regulate trade and Commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Native American tribes. It has been used to justify a wide range of federal laws and regulations

federalist Papers

a series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John J in the late 1780s. They were published to support the ratification of the US Constitution, explaining and defending the proposed system of government

judicial review

the power of courts to review and determine the Constitutionality of laws and government actions. It was established in the landmark case Marbury V Madison (1803)

popular sovereignty

the principle that the authority of the government comes from the consent of the people, meaning that the people have the right to choose their leaders and influence laws through voting

reserved powers

Powers that are not specifically given to the National government or prohibited to the states by the Constitution. These powers are reserved for the state's such as regulating education and conducting elections

social contract

a theory that suggests individuals give up some of their personal freedoms and submit to the authority of a government in exchange for protection and the benefits of living in a society. Most famously associated with philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Affirmative Action

a policy that promotes opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups to ensure diversity and equal access in education and employment

Independent

a voter or politician who doesn’t align with a specific political party, They may have diverse political views and can vote for candidates from different parties in elections

Libertarianism

a political ideology that emphasizes individual freedom, limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility. They believe the government should have minimal involvement in both economic and social issues

Political efficacy

belief that one’s political participation matters and that individuals can influence government and policy decisions

Supply-Side Economics

the theory that economic growth is best stimulated by lowering taxes and reducing government regulations, which encourages businesses to produce more goods and services, ultimately benefiting the economy

Conservatism

a political ideology that values tradition, limited government, free markets, an individual responsibility, often emphasizing stability and gradual change rather than rapid reform

keynesian Economics

the theory that the government should intervene in the economy, especially during recessions, by increasing spending and lowering taxes to boost demand and stimulate growth

Political Socialization

the process by which people develop their political beliefs, values, and identities, influenced by factors like family, education, media, and life experiences

Political Ideology

a set of beliefs and values about the role of government in public policy, shaping how individuals view political issues and society

Liberalism

a political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, civil liberties, government action to promote social justice, and a regulated economy to address inequalities

Political Culture

the shared beliefs, values, and attitudes about the government, politics, and Society that shape how people view and participate in the political process

24th amendment

banned poll taxes, which were fees to vote. this prevented states from using poll taxes to discriminate against low-income and black voters, ensuring greater voting rights

Voter registration act of 1993

also called the motor voter Act, made it easier to register to vote by allowing people to register when they get or renew their driver's license and through mail-in and government agency applications

Photo ID Laws

require voters to show a government issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, before casting a ballot. Supporters say they prevent fraud while opponents argue they suppress voter turnout especially among minorities and low income individuals

15th amendment

gave black men the right to vote by prohibiting the government from denying voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

26th amendment

lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, ensuring that young Americans, especially those drafted for military service, had a say in elections.

suffrage

the right to vote in political elections. it has been expanded over time through amendments and acts.

19th amendment

gave women the right to vote, prohibiting the government from denying voting rights based on sex. it was a major victory for the women’s suffrage movement

voting rights act of 1965

a landmark law that banned racial discrimination in voting. It outlawed literacy tests, gave the federal government power to oversee voter registration in states with a history of discrimination, and helped enforce the 15th amendment.

Amicus curiae Brief

feel strongly about a topic that doesn’t directly affect you, so you can’t take it to court, so you sign documents that side with the case with legal rationale

free- Rider problem

when people benefit from something that an interest group does, while not paying or being apart of the group

Litigation

taking something that directly affects you to court to settle it legally

Political Polarization

when people’s political opinions become super divided, with opposing sides growing further apart and less willing to compromise

Political Action Committee (PACs)

a group that raises and spends money to support or oppose political candidates, usually to influence elections in government decisions

Coalition building

when different groups of people team up to work toward a common goal, usually and politics or activism

grass-Roots Campaigning

when regular people, not big organizations, get involved in politics by spreading messages, rallying support, and influencing change from the community level

lobbying

when people or groups try to influence government officials to make decisions that support their interests

patronage

when politicians give jobs, favors, or benefits to their supporters, often as a reward for loyalty

voter mobilization

the effort to encourage and help people register and turn out to vote in elections

dealignment

when voters become less loyal to political parties, often leading to more independent voting and weaker party identification

iron triangle

our relationship between government agencies, Congressional committees, in interest groups, where they work together to influence policy and protect their mutual interests

party platform

a set of beliefs and goals that are political party promotes during an election to show what they stand for and what policies they plan to implement if they win

pluralism

The idea that politics is made up of money different groups and interests, and that these groups should have the power to influence decisions and policies

Balancing the ticket

when a presidential candidate chooses a running mate who compliments their strengths to appeal to a broader range of Voters

electorate

the body of people who are eligible to vote in an election

incumbent

a current office holder who is seeking re-election. They often had advantages such as namric ignition, experience, and access to campaign resources.

plurality election

an electoral system where the candidate who receives the most votes wins, even if they do not achieve an absolute majority of the total votes

single member district system

an electoral system in which each district elects one representative to a legislative body period the candidate who receives the most votes wins the seat

closed primary

of primary election in which only registered party members can vote to choose their party's nominee.

front loading (primaries)

the practice of state scheduling their primary elections and caucuses earlier in the election cycle to increase their influence in the presidential nomination process

open primary

of primary election and which voters can choose to participate in either parties primary, regardless of the registered party affiliation

realigning (“critical”) elections

A major shift and political party support, voter Coalitions, and policies, leading to long-term changes in the political system

split ticket voting

one of Voters selects candidates from different political parties for different offices on the same ballot, rather than voting exclusively for one party

direct elections

a system where voters cast their Ballards directly for their chosen candidates or political parties to fill public offices

general election

a regularly scheduled election where voter select candidates to fill public offices, typically for an entire legislative body or executive positions

straight ticket voting

want to voter selects candidates exclusively from one political party across all Races on the ballot, rather than mixing candidates from different parties

referendum

a direct vote in which the electorate decides on a specific proposal, law, or constitutional Amendment

appropriations committee

a congressional committee that controls federal spending by deciding how government funds are allocated to agencies, programs, and departments

closed rule -House

a procedural rule that prohibits amendments to bill on the floor, except those offered by the committee reporting the bill period this limits to be in speeds up the legislative process often benefiting the majority parties agenda

cloture

a procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote. It requires 3/5 of Senators to agree and prevents endless debate and allows legislation to move forward

conference committee

a temporary, joint committee made up of members from both the house and Senate to resolve differences between their visions of a bill.

discharge petition

a procedure in the House of Representatives that allows a bill to be forced out of committee and brought to the floor for a vote if it has been stuck in committee for too long.

filibuster

active used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill by extending debate

finance committee

a powerful committee in the Senate responsible for overseeing Taxation, trade, and revenue related aspects of the federal budget. It plays a key role in shaping text policy, Social Security, Medicare, and medicaid funding

senate hold

An informal practice where a senator notifies their party leadership that they object to bringing a bill or nomination to the floor for consideration

logrolling- Congress

The practice of trading votes among lawmakers to gain support for their own legislation

open rule - House

a procedural rule that allows amendments to be made to a bill during debate on the floor

Bill rider

an additional provision or Amendment added to a bill, often unrelated to the main topic of the bill period riders are typically used to pass controversial measures that may not survive on their own, and they are often attached to must pass legislation like spending bills

rules committee

a committee in the House of Representatives responsible for determining the rules for debate on a bill, including how long the debate will last and whether amendments can be made.

standing committee

a permanent committee in Congress that handles specific areas of legislation, such as the finance, defense, or judiciary. These committees review, amend, and bait bills related to their areas of focus and play a key role in the legislative process

ways and means committee

a committee in the House of Representatives responsible for handling bills related to taxation, Revenue, Social Security, and Medicare. Shapes tax policy and government spending related to these areas

Bureaucracy

a system of government agencies that Implement and enforce laws and policies

executive agreement

a deal made between the US president and a foreign leader that doesn't require Senate approval

executive order

are directive issued by the president that has the force of law without needing Congress's approval

executive privilege

The president's power to keep starting communication secret, especially for National Security or confidential matters

impoundment

when the president refuses to spend money that Congress has appropriated

merit system

a hiring process based on qualifications and job performance rather than political connections

patronage (spoils system)

government jobs are given to political supporters and friends as a reward, not based on Merit

pocket veto

when the president ignores a bill for 10 days while Congress is not in such in, so it doesn't become law