The Ultimate Guide to AP United States Government and Politics (copy)

Enlightenment

A philosophical movement in the 18th century emphasizing reason over tradition in solving social problems.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who believed in absolute monarchy for the protection of life and advocated for a social contract.

John Locke

Philosopher who argued for natural rights (life, liberty, property) and the right to revolution if these rights are violated.

Charles de Montesquieu

Proposed the separation of powers into three branches of government to prevent tyranny.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Believed people are inherently good but corrupted by society; advocated for the greater good over self-interest.

Voltaire

Critic of religious and political oppression, advocating for freedom of thought and expression.

Republicanism

Political ideology supporting individual rights, popular sovereignty, and civic participation.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring the American colonies' independence from Great Britain, listing grievances against King George III.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, which established a weak central government.

Shays’ Rebellion

A revolt by farmers protesting economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention

A 1787 meeting to address the weaknesses of the Articles and create a stronger federal government.

The Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement counting enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution advocating for a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution fearing it would threaten individual liberties and create a powerful executive.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and liberties.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the president, reflecting the population of each state.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to support the ratification of the Constitution and explain its principles.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison.

Federalism

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

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Amendment Process

The procedure for altering the Constitution, requiring approval from two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of the states.

Civil Liberties

Protections against government actions that infringe on individual rights.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on political issues.

Political Socialization

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

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy and decision-making.

Political Parties

Organized groups that seek to gain power by winning elections and influencing government policy.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election, often influenced by various factors including education and age.