AP Gov unit 1 vocab

Block grant

money granted by the federal government to the states for a broad purpose (e.g., transportation) rather than for a narrow purpose (e.g., school lunch program).

Categorical grant

money granted by the federal government to the states for a narrow purpose (e.g., school lunch program) rather than for a broad purpose (e.g., transportation).

Checks and balances

system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches, e.g., presidential veto of a congressional law.

Commerce clause

gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, with foreign nations, and among Indian tribes. Granted through Article 1, section 8; has enabled broad reach of Congressional power.

Concurrent powers

those held by both Congress and the states, e.g., established law enforcement agencies.

Elastic Clause

states that Congress can exercise those powers that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out the enumerated powers, e.g., establishment of the first Bank of the United States.

Enumerated powers

those that are specifically granted by the Constitution to the governmental branches (i.e. to Congress in Article 1, section 8, e.g., the power to tax). Also known as expressed powers, formal powers, or delegated powers.

Federalism

constitutional system in which power is wielded by both a central government and state governments (powers can be either divided or shared). Different varieties (dual, cooperative, New).

Dual federalism

system in which the national government and state government are co-equal, with each being dominant within its respective sphere.

Cooperative federalism

system in which both federal government and state governments cooperate in solving problems.

New federalism

system in which the national government restores greater authority back to the states.

Federalist Papers

group of 85 essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay for the purpose of persuading the people of New York to adopt the Constitution.

Formal amendment

a change in the actual wording of the Constitution. Proposed by Congress or national convention, and ratified by the states, as provided in Article V of the Constitution.

Implied powers

those that are "necessary and proper" to carry out Congress' enumerated powers, and are granted to Congress through the elastic clause.

Judicial review

powers of the courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws and government actions. Established by Marbury v. Madison, 1803.

Mandates

requirements imposed on the national government upon the states. Some are unfunded mandates, i.e., they are imposed by the national government without accompanying funding to facilitate execution.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

established the power of judicial review.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

reinforced principle of national supremacy and validity of implied powers.

Police powers

power/responsibility of government to protect the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the public.

Popular sovereignty

principle in which ultimate political authority rests with the people.

Reserved powers

powers held by the states through the 10th Amendment. Any power not granted to the US government or denied to the states is "reserved" for the states.

Separation of powers

principle in which the powers of a government are divided among its various branches: (i.e. legislative, executive, judicial branches each have discrete powers).

Shay's Rebellion

1786 revolt by Massachusetts farmers seeking relief from debt and foreclosure which was a factor in the Constitutional Convention.

Supermajority

a majority greater than a simple majority of one over half (50%+1 vote), e.g., ⅗, ⅔.

Exclusive powers

Powers held by only the federal government (as opposed to reserved powers or concurrent powers)

Grants

Billions of dollars awarded annually by the federal government for programs and projects that carry out a public purpose authorized by U.S. law (rooted in the "Promote the general welfare" provision of the Constitution).

Natural Rights

Rights that accrue to an individual simply by virtue of existing. The concept of natural rights was articulated by John Locke in the late 17th century. Thomas Jefferson referred to them as "inalienable rights" in the Declaration of Independence.

Participatory Democracy

emphasizes broad and active citizen participation in politics and civil society.

Pluralism

theory that policy making is the result of interest group competition. Pluralist democracy recognizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interested striving for impact on political decision-making.

Ratification

Formal approval and adoption of a document or amendment (Constitutional amendments must be ratified by ¾ of states after being proposed by 2/3 of Congress in order to be added to the Constitution

republic/republican government/republicanism

system in which the people are ruled by their representatives. Also known as representative democracy or Indirect democracy .

(PLEASE NOTE THE LOWERCASE R. :) Republican with a capital R has a different meaning :) )

Social contract

The decision by people to live together in society with agreement on moral and political rules of behavior; the ruled and the rulers agree on the rights and responsibilities of each party. Articulated prominently by Enlightenment philosophers.