AP/IB U.S. Government & Politics Study Guide

Social contract

Concept where individuals consent to form a government that will protect their rights.

Natural rights

Rights inherent to all human beings; often referenced as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Inalienable rights

Fundamental rights that cannot be surrendered or transferred.

Popular sovereignty

The authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Articles of Confederation (Issues/weaknesses)

Lack of a strong central government led to various challenges, including economic instability.

Shays’ Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 aimed at protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response; highlighted weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

U.S. Constitution: Legislative branch

Makes laws (Congress).

U.S. Constitution: Executive branch

Enforces laws (President).

U.S. Constitution: Judicial branch

Interprets laws (Courts).

Powers reserved to the states

Powers not specifically granted to the federal government are reserved for the states (10th Amendment).

Writ of habeas corpus

Legal order requiring a person to be brought before a judge or court, ensuring protection against unlawful detention.

Bills of attainder

Legislative acts that declare a person or group guilty without a trial; prohibited by the Constitution.

Ex post facto laws

Laws that make an act illegal retroactively; also prohibited by the Constitution.

Expressed/enumerated powers

Powers specifically defined and granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated but necessary for the government to perform its functions, derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Supremacy clause

Establishes the Constitution as the highest law of the land, overriding conflicting state laws.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties and rights.

Limited government

Government's powers are restricted by law and primarily defined through the Constitution.

Separation of powers

Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches, ensuring no one branch exercises too much power.

Amendment process

Process that allows the Constitution to be altered and updated to reflect changing values; requires a two-thirds majority in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states).

Necessary and Proper Clause

Grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

Federalists

Supported a strong central government and the Constitution.

Antifederalists

Wanted to maintain state sovereignty and opposed the Constitution.

Federalist 10

Argues for a large republic to prevent factions from taking control.

Federalist 51

Discusses the necessity of checks and balances to maintain separation of powers.

Brutus 1

Addresses concerns regarding the potential for federal overreach and encroachment on states’ rights.

Republic

A system where representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people.

Direct democracy

Citizens directly participate in decision-making.

Elitist theory

A theory suggesting that a small group of elites holds political power.

Pluralist theory

A theory positing that multiple groups influence policy and decision-making, leading to compromise and consensus.

Participatory theory

Advocates for active citizen involvement in political processes beyond just voting.

Marbury v. Madison

Established the principle of judicial review, empowering courts to invalidate laws that violate the Constitution.

Shaw v. Reno

Addressed issues of racial gerrymandering, emphasizing equal protection under the law.

Baker v. Carr

Addressed the issue of legislative redistricting, establishing the principle of one person, one vote.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Affirms the supremacy of federal laws over state laws and endorses implied powers.

U.S. v. Lopez

Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, reinforcing state authority over local issues.

Apportionment

Process of distributing congressional seats based on population, occurring every ten years after the census.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing district boundaries to reflect population changes post-apportionment.

Gerrymandering

Manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.

Incumbency

The current holder of an office; incumbents often have advantages in elections such as recognition and funding.

House of Representatives roles

Initiates revenue bills and impeaches federal officials.

Senate roles

Confirms presidential appointments and treaties; holds trials for impeached officials.

House of Representatives qualifications

Must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and reside in the state.

Senate qualifications

Must be at least 30 years old, a citizen for 9 years, and reside in the state.

Legislative oversight

Congress's authority to oversee and investigate executive branch activities.

Senate advice and consent

The Senate's power to approve presidential appointments and treaties.

Budgetary power (Congress)

Control over federal budget and taxation.

17th Amendment

Established the election of U.S. Senators by popular vote instead of being appointed by state legislatures.

Filibuster

A procedural tactic used to delay or block legislative action, typically requiring 60 votes to end.

Partisanship

Increased division and loyalty to political parties, impacting governance and legislative processes.

War on Terror

A global military campaign launched in response to the September 11 attacks, involving various military actions and policies aimed at countering terrorism.

War Powers Resolution

A law limiting the president's ability to engage in military action without congressional approval.

22nd Amendment

Established presidential term limits, limiting presidents to two terms in office.

Chief executive

Enforces laws and leads the executive branch.

Chief diplomat

Manages foreign relations and international treaties.

Chief legislator

Influences legislation and can propose bills.

Commander in chief

Oversees the armed forces and military operations.

Pardons (President)

The president’s power to grant clemency to individuals convicted of federal crimes.

Veto power

Ability to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Impeachment

The process by which the president or other federal officials can be removed from office for misconduct.

25th Amendment

Establishes procedures for presidential succession and addressing presidential incapacity.

Bargaining and persuasion (President)

The ability of the president to influence public policy and opinion through direct communication and leadership position.

Bully pulpit

The ability of the president to influence public policy and opinion through direct communication and leadership position.