AP GOV Midterm vocab personalized

Articles Of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government.

Constitution

The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, ratified in 1788, which outlines the framework of the national government, the rights of the citizens, and the distribution of power among various governmental entities.

Fed 10

Federalist No. 10 is an essay written by James Madison as part of The Federalist Papers, published in 1787. It addresses the dangers of faction and advocates for a strong, large republic as a means to control the effects of factions.

Fed 51

Federalist No. 51 is an essay written by James Madison as part of The Federalist Papers, published in 1788. It discusses the importance of checks and balances in government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Fed 70

Federalist No. 70 is an essay written by Alexander Hamilton as part of The Federalist Papers, published in 1788. It argues for a strong, energetic executive leader, emphasizing the need for government accountability and decisive action.

Fed 78

Federalist No. 78 is an essay written by Alexander Hamilton as part of The Federalist Papers, published in 1788. It discusses the role of the judiciary in the United States government, emphasizing the importance of an independent judiciary and the power of judicial review to protect the Constitution from legislative encroachments.

McCulloch v. Maryland

McCulloch v. Maryland is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1819 that established the federal government's supremacy over state governments. The case involved the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States and the state of Maryland's attempt to impose a tax on it. The ruling affirmed the doctrine of implied powers and the principle that states could not tax the federal government.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

The Full Faith and Credit Clause is a provision in Article IV, Section 1 of the United States Constitution that requires each state to recognize and respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. This ensures that legal decisions made in one state are upheld in others.

Commerce Clause

The Commerce Clause is a provision in Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution that grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. This clause serves as a foundation for much of Congress's regulatory authority, impacting many aspects of economic activity and interstate commerce.

Amendment Process

The Amendment Process refers to the formal procedure established by the United States Constitution for making changes or additions to the Constitution. This process requires a proposal of an amendment by either a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of state legislatures. To become valid, an amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

Expressed, Enumerated, and Delegated Powers

These terms refer to the powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution. They are explicitly listed in Article I, Section 8, which includes the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, declare war, and maintain an army.

Concurrent Powers

Concurrent powers are those powers that are shared by both the federal government and the state governments. These powers include the ability to tax, build roads, operate courts, and create lower courts.

Reserved Powers

Reserved powers are those powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution and are therefore reserved for the states. This includes powers such as regulating education, administering local government, and overseeing state elections.

Dual Federalism

Dual federalism is a political system in which power and responsibilities are divided between the national and state governments, with each level of government operating independently within its own sphere of authority. This system is often likened to a layer cake, where the distinct powers of federal and state governments do not overlap.

Cooperative Federalism

Cooperative federalism is a political system in which the national and state governments work together to solve problems and share responsibilities. This system emphasizes collaboration and intergovernmental cooperation, often blending policy areas and resources between different levels of government.

US vs. Lopez

US vs. Lopez is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1995 that held that Congress had exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause when it enacted the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. The Court ruled that possession of a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity that affects interstate commerce, thereby reinforcing the limits of congressional power.

Article 1

Article 1 of the United States Constitution establishes the legislative branch of the federal government, known as Congress, which is divided into two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. It outlines the powers and responsibilities of Congress, including the authority to make laws, levy taxes, and regulate commerce.

Impeachment Process

The impeachment process is a constitutional mechanism by which federal officials, including the President, can be accused of misconduct, with the potential consequences being removal from office. The process involves two main stages: the House of Representatives investigates and votes to impeach, and the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether to convict and remove the official from office.

Powers of Congress

The Powers of Congress encompass the authority granted to the legislative branch of the United States government as outlined in Article I of the Constitution. These powers include the ability to make laws, levy taxes, regulate commerce, declare war, and control the budget. They are also empowered to raise and support armies, provide for the defense, and create additional federal courts.

Powers of the House

The Powers of the House of Representatives include the authority to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, choose the President in the case of an electoral college tie, and oversee the federal budget. The House also has the ability to set rules for its proceedings and conduct investigations.

Powers of the Senate

The Powers of the Senate include the authority to confirm presidential appointments, ratify treaties, conduct impeachment trials for federal officials, and create legislation. The Senate also has the power to filibuster and requires a supermajority to close debate on certain matters.

Organization of Congress

The Organization of Congress refers to the structure and arrangement of the legislative branch of the United States government. This includes the two houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the leadership positions within each house, committees, and the procedures that govern legislative processes.

Conference Committee

A Conference Committee is a temporary joint committee formed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate to reconcile differences in legislation that has passed both chambers. Their goal is to create a final version of a bill that can be presented to both houses for approval.

Rules Committee

The Rules Committee is a committee in the House of Representatives responsible for determining the rules and procedures for debate on legislation. It establishes the terms and timeline for the consideration of bills on the House floor, including setting time limits on debate and determining whether amendments can be offered.

Ways and Means Committee

The Ways and Means Committee is a committee in the House of Representatives responsible for considering all revenue-related legislation, including taxation and tariffs.

Earmarks

Earmarks are provisions in legislation that designate specific funds for particular projects or purposes, often benefiting specific constituents or interest groups. They are typically included in larger bills and allow members of Congress to direct federal funding to local projects, but they are often criticized for promoting wasteful spending and lack of transparency.

Filibuster

A filibuster is a tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill. Senators may engage in extended speeches or procedural maneuvers to obstruct legislative action, often requiring a supermajority to invoke cloture and end the filibuster.

Cloture

Cloture is a procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster or limit debate on a bill. It requires a minimum of 60 votes (three-fifths of the Senate) to invoke and allows the Senate to proceed to a vote on the matter at hand.

Trustee Model of Rep.

The Trustee Model of Representation is a theory of political representation where elected officials are trusted to make decisions based on their own judgment and the best interests of their constituents, rather than simply reflecting the views of the voters. Under this model, representatives may act according to their own beliefs or insights, believing that they know what is best for those they represent.

Delegate Model of Rep.

The Delegate Model of Representation is a political theory where representatives act strictly according to the wishes and opinions of their constituents, rather than exercising their own judgment on issues.

Politico Model of Rep.

The Politico Model of Representation is a hybrid theory of political representation where elected officials act as delegates on issues that are important to their constituents and as trustees for issues that are less clear cut. This model suggests that representatives take into account the preferences of their voters while also using their own judgment to make decisions on complex issues.

Representation

Representation refers to the act of speaking or acting on behalf of others, particularly in the context of a political system where elected officials represent the interests and views of their constituents in government.

Incumbency Advantages

Incumbency advantages refer to the various benefits that current officeholders have over challengers during elections. These advantages can include greater name recognition, easier access to campaign finance, established connections with constituents, and the ability to leverage their record of service in office. Incumbents often have a better understanding of the political process and greater media exposure, making it more difficult for challengers to win.

Logrolling

Logrolling is a practice in politics where legislators agree to vote for each other's proposed legislation, effectively trading votes to secure favorable outcomes for their own interests.

Pork Barrel Legislation

Pork barrel legislation refers to government spending that funds local projects, often to gain favor with constituents, rather than for the overall public benefit.

Baker vs. Carr

Baker v. Carr is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1962 that addressed the issue of legislative redistricting and established the principle of 'one person, one vote.' The Court ruled that federal courts have the authority to intervene in cases of unequal representation in state legislatures, ensuring that districts are drawn fairly and equitably to provide equal voting power to all citizens.

Shaw vs. Reno

Shaw v. Reno is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1993 that addressed racial gerrymandering. The Court ruled that redistricting based solely on race, without a compelling governmental interest, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The case emphasized that while race can be considered in the redistricting process, it cannot be the predominant factor.

Executive Checks on Legislative

Executive checks on legislative refer to the powers and actions that the executive branch, headed by the President, can use to limit or influence legislation passed by Congress. This includes the President's ability to veto bills, call special sessions of Congress, and propose legislation. Additionally, the executive branch can influence legislative processes through executive orders and the power of persuasion over legislators.

Judicial Checks on Legislative

Judicial checks on the legislative branch involve the power of the judiciary to review and invalidate legislation that is found to be unconstitutional. This process serves as a system of checks and balances, ensuring that the laws passed by the legislature conform to the Constitution and protecting individual rights.

Article 2

Article 2 of the United States Constitution establishes the executive branch of the federal government, which is headed by the President. It outlines the powers, responsibilities, and the election process of the President and Vice President, as well as the procedures for presidential succession and impeachment.

Electoral College

The Electoral College is a body of representatives established by the United States Constitution, constituted every four years for the sole purpose of electing the President and Vice President. Each state appoints electors equal to its number of Senators and Representatives in Congress, and these electors officially cast their votes for the candidates selected by the electorate.

Appointment Power

The Appointment Power is a presidential authority enshrined in the United States Constitution that allows the President to nominate individuals to various federal positions, including Cabinet members, federal judges, and ambassadors. The appointments typically require confirmation by the Senate.

Executive Agreement

An Executive Agreement is an international agreement made by the President of the United States without the need for Senate approval. These agreements are typically used to manage routine, non-controversial matters and can be used to implement treaties or conduct foreign relations with other countries.

Executive Privilege

Executive Privilege is the doctrine that allows the President and other high-level executive branch officials to refuse to disclose information or communications that they deem confidential and related to their official duties. This privilege is intended to protect the decision-making process and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Executive Order

An Executive Order is a directive issued by the President of the United States to manage the operations of the federal government. It has the force of law, allowing the President to enact policies or make changes without needing Congress to pass legislation.

Presidential Powers during Wartime

Presidential powers during wartime refer to the expanded authorities granted to the President of the United States during periods of conflict. These powers may include the ability to deploy military forces without a declaration of war, issue executive orders related to national security, and take measures to ensure public safety. The President may also have increased authority to conduct foreign affairs and make decisions that could affect military operations and strategies. However, these powers are subject to checks by Congress and the judiciary to prevent abuse.

Constitutional Powers of the Vice President

The Constitutional Powers of the Vice President, as outlined in the United States Constitution, include presiding over the Senate and casting tie-breaking votes, succeeding the President in the event of death, resignation, or removal, and taking on additional responsibilities as assigned by the President.

Office of Management and Budget

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is a United States government office that assists the President in overseeing the preparation of the federal budget, coordinating the agency's financial management, and ensuring that government programs are efficient and effective. It also provides statistical data and analysis to support the President's policy decisions.

Original Cabinet

The Original Cabinet refers to the first group of advisors appointed by President George Washington in 1789 to help him with the administration of the federal government. This cabinet included key figures such as Thomas Jefferson (Secretary of State), Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of the Treasury), and Henry Knox (Secretary of War), each responsible for different aspects of governing and advising the President.

Legislative Checks on Executive

Legislative checks on the executive refer to the powers and actions that Congress can take to limit or influence the actions of the executive branch. This includes the authority to override presidential vetoes, approve or reject presidential appointments, control funding for executive programs, and conduct investigations or hearings to oversee executive actions.

Judicial Checks on Executive

Judicial checks on the executive branch involve the power of the judiciary to review and invalidate actions taken by the executive branch that are found to be unconstitutional. This serves as a system of checks and balances, ensuring that executive actions conform to the Constitution and protecting individual rights.

Article 3

Article 3 of the United States Constitution establishes the judicial branch of the federal government, which includes the Supreme Court and lower courts. It outlines the powers, responsibilities, and jurisdiction of the judiciary, ensuring the independence of the courts and the principle of judicial review.

Writ of Certiorari

A Writ of Certiorari is an order by a higher court to review the decision of a lower court. In the context of the United States Supreme Court, it is a way for the Court to choose which cases it will hear, typically granted when there are significant questions of law or when there is a need to resolve conflicting decisions made by lower courts.

Pendleton Act

The Pendleton Act, enacted in 1883, established a system of merit-based hiring for federal jobs and marked the beginning of the process to eliminate the patronage system. It aimed to ensure that government positions were filled based on qualifications and performance rather than political connections.

Congressional/Executive Checks on Bureaucracy

Congressional and executive checks on bureaucracy refer to the mechanisms through which the legislative and executive branches exercise oversight and control over the actions and decisions of federal agencies. This includes Congressional powers such as holding hearings, conducting investigations, and using appropriations to limit agency actions, as well as executive powers like issuing executive orders to direct agency behavior and appointing agency heads.

Iron Triangles

Iron triangles refer to the stable, mutually beneficial relationships and networks formed between three entities: a government agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group. This relationship is characterized by the exchange of policy support and favors, often leading to the establishment of specific policies that benefit the interest group while providing political support and funding to the government agency and committee.

Government Corporations

Government Corporations are entities created by Congress to provide specific services that could be provided by the private sector but are deemed too important or too costly to be left to private businesses. These corporations operate with more autonomy than normal government agencies and can earn revenue while being backed by federal funding.

Administrative Discretion

Administrative Discretion refers to the authority given to administrative agencies to interpret and implement policies and laws in a manner that allows for flexibility in decision-making. It enables these agencies to exercise judgment in applying rules to specific cases, allowing for a response tailored to the circumstances at hand.

Legislative Checks on the Bureaucracy

Legislative checks on the bureaucracy refer to the mechanisms through which Congress exercises oversight and control over federal agencies. This includes powers such as holding hearings, conducting investigations, and using appropriations to limit agency actions.

Judicial Checks on the Bureaucracy

Judicial checks on the bureaucracy involve the power of the judiciary to review and invalidate actions taken by federal agencies that are found to be unconstitutional or beyond their legal authority. This serves as a means of oversight, ensuring that bureaucratic actions conform to the law and protect individual rights.