AP Gov. & Politics Vocab List 2

Expressed Powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, primarily listed in Article I, Section 8.

Virginia Plan

A proposal during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 advocating for a strong central government with a bicameral legislature based on population.

The U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, established in 1787, which outlines the framework of the federal government, its powers, and citizens' rights.

U.S. v. Lopez

A 1995 Supreme Court case that ruled Congress had exceeded its constitutional authority under the Commerce Clause by passing the Gun-Free School Zones Act.

Federalist No. 51

An essay by James Madison arguing for the separation of powers and checks and balances within the federal government to prevent tyranny.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which created a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government.