AP US Government Comprehensive Review Guide

Flashcards based on AP US Government Comprehensive Review Guide notes.

Social Contract

An agreement between the government and the governed, where individuals give up some natural rights for protection.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights that cannot be taken away by government, allowing people to revolt if violated.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Republicanism

A representative form of government that is limited by law.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy where citizens have the power to decide on policies implemented by elected politicians.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy where multiple groups compete for influence in policymaking, preventing any single entity from dominating.

Elite Democracy

A model of democracy where a small group of wealthier and educated individuals makes decisions on behalf of the majority.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution governing the United States, which established a weak national government.

Shay's Rebellion

A violent revolt led by Daniel Shay highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists

Supporters of the ratification of the Constitution advocating for a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who believed it gave too much power to the national government.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch the means to limit the others.

Separation of Powers

A principle dividing government authority into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature consisting of two chambers, as established by the Great Compromise.

Electoral College

The body that elects the President and Vice President of the United States through state-appointed electors.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A compromise counting each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not expressly stated in the Constitution but are implied to be granted.

Reserved Powers

Powers not given to the federal government that are reserved for the states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Extradition

The legal process whereby a fugitive found in one state is returned to the state in which they committed a crime.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relationship between different levels of government regarding revenue sharing.

Dual Federalism

A model where state and federal governments operate independently in their own spheres.

Cooperative Federalism

A model where all levels of government work together to address complex issues.

Mandates

Rules set by the federal government that states and localities must comply with.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws necessary for executing its powers.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A landmark Supreme Court case affirming the implied powers of Congress.

United States v. Lopez

A Supreme Court case limiting Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

Legislation aimed at reducing the impact of unfunded mandates on state and local governments.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

A federal program providing financial assistance to low-income families.

National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter Act)

Legislation simplifying voter registration by allowing it when obtaining a driver’s license.

Clean Air Act

Legislation establishing air quality standards to protect public health and the environment.

Americans with Disabilities Act

A law preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various sectors.

Brady Bill

Legislation requiring background checks for firearms purchases to reduce gun violence.

No Child Left Behind Act

An education reform aimed at providing federal funding to improve the education of low-income students.

Bully Pulpit

The way a president can influence public opinion and promote their agenda.

Judicial Review

The Supreme Court's authority to invalidate laws and executive actions that are contrary to the Constitution.

Majority Opinion

The official statement of the court that represents the opinion of more than half the judges.

Dissenting Opinion

The opinion of judges who disagree with the majority ruling.

Concurring Opinion

An opinion that agrees with the majority but for different reasons.

Writ of Certiorari

An order by the Supreme Court to a lower court to send up the records of a case for review.

Rule of Four

A Supreme Court principle stating that at least four justices must agree to hear a case.

Civil Liberties

Protection against government actions that could infringe on individual rights.

Civil Rights

The rights guaranteeing individuals freedom from discrimination.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court has applied the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Factions

Groups of people with shared interests who attempt to influence public policy.

Affirmative Action

Policies designed to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.

Tracking Polls

Polls that measure changes in public opinion over time.

Push Polls

Polls designed to sway voters' opinions under the guise of asking questions.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy in specific areas.

Incumbency Advantage

The electoral edge afforded to those already in office.

Campaign Finance

The funds raised to promote candidates or political parties in elections.

Equal Time Rule

The requirement that broadcasters provide equal airtime to all political candidates.

Super PACs

Political action committees that can raise unlimited sums of money for independent expenditures.

Federal Elections Commission (FEC)

The agency that regulates campaign finance in federal elections.