AP Government Key Concepts: Checks, Powers, Federalism, and Amendments

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution that explains the purposes and goals of the U.S. government.

Constitution

The supreme law of the United States that establishes the structure, powers, and limits of the government.

Federalist #51

An essay by James Madison explaining why the government needs checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent one part of government from becoming too powerful.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are kept by the states rather than given to the federal government.

United States v. Lopez

A 1995 Supreme Court case that limited Congress's use of the Commerce Clause, ruling that carrying a gun near a school was not an economic activity that Congress could regulate under the Commerce Clause.

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches.

Separation of Powers

Dividing government power among three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Republicanism

A system in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and govern on their behalf.

Commerce Clause

The constitutional provision giving Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, with foreign nations, and with Native American tribes.

10th Amendment

States that powers not given to the federal government or denied to the states by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people.

Federalism

A system where power is divided between the federal government and state governments.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual rights and freedoms.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land when they are constitutional, taking priority over conflicting state laws.

Block Grant

Federal money given to states for a broad purpose, allowing states flexibility in how they spend it.

Preemption

When a federal law overrides or takes priority over a conflicting state law.

Categorical Grant

Federal money given to states or local governments for a specific purpose, usually with conditions on how it can be used.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A 1819 Supreme Court case that established that Congress has implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause and that states cannot interfere with valid federal actions.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments, such as taxing and making laws.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Gives Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

Pluralist Democracy

A democracy in which different groups and interests compete to influence government policy.

Amendment Process

The process for changing the Constitution. An amendment generally requires proposal by 2/3 of Congress and ratification by 3/4 of the states.

Elite Democracy

The idea that wealthy, educated, or influential individuals and groups have a disproportionate influence on government decisions.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government's authority comes from the people.

Participatory Democracy

A form of democracy emphasizing direct citizen involvement in government and political activities.

Limited Government

The principle that government only has the powers given to it by law or the Constitution and must respect individual rights.

Bill of Attainder

A law that punishes a person or group without a trial. The Constitution prohibits these laws.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and court decisions of other states.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that punishes someone for an action that was legal when they committed it, or increases the punishment after the fact.

Inherent Powers

Powers the federal government has simply because it is a sovereign government, even if those powers aren't specifically listed in the Constitution.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.