Unit 1 AP GOV

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Federalism

The distribution of power between the national and state governments. Big Bro vs. Little bro. Protected and enforced by the 10th amendment to prevent too much power going to the Federal Gov

Checks & Balances

A system that allows each branch to reel in any of the other 2 to ensure that no one branch becomes too powerful.

Gibbons V Ogden

Expanded congress’s power under the commerce clause/ and somewhat supremacy. Created to settle a monopoly in New York.

United States Vs. Lopez

A case that limited the power of the congress under the commerce clauses. Because it declared the Gun free school zones o

Legistlative Branch

The Bicameral body in charge of creating laws. Built out of the House of representative which are a population based and senate which is 2 representatives per state

Executive Branch

The branch in charge of enforcing or vetoing laws. This is the president and they do their job by administering departments

Block Grants

Its a community development fund

Ex: Mental Health Block Grant

Judicial Brach

This is the branch in charge of interpreting the laws meaning they have the power to strike down any unconstitutional laws. Rule by the supreme court and it’s a lifelong position.

Full Faith and credit clause

States have to give credit to public acts, record,m civilm and judicial proceedings

Ex: Prison, Immunity, Marriage, etc.

Enumerated Powers

Explicit directions/duties outlined in the Constitution

Ex: Decleration of War, Supremacy clause, Commerce clause.

Implied powers

Not explicitly written bute with reasonable connections to the enumerated powers interpretated through the neccessary and proper clause

Article V

2/3rd vote is required from state legislators and 3/4ths from Senate to make amendments to the constitution

McCulloch v Maryland

Ruled Maryland didn’t have the power to tax the national bank and it established the supremacy of the Federal government & its implied powers

Elitist Theory

Theory of a small group of wealthy people making descions for the general public

Ex: electoral college

Articles of Confederation

The document that governed the 13 states after the revolution. It was unsuccessful because it lacked authority in the excutive branch so it couldn’t levy taxes or build a military. It became impossible to pass anything because many states didn’t show up. But it did set the precident for the 2/3 vote utilized in the Constitution

Bill of Rights

The rights of the people that are protected by the constitution. The first ten amendments.

Unalienable Rights

An enlightenment idea everyone is beleived to have the rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

Social Contract

The mutual agreement that people are bound to exchange some of their rights/freedoms for the protection of goverment to ensure social cohesion.

Paticipatoy Democracy

Citizens have greater power to influence decisions

Ex:Town Hall Meetings

Pluralist Theory

Groups trying to sway the masses and laws

Ex: Lobbyist