Vocabulary Terms to know for the AP US Government exam

Judicial Review (The Principle)

“If, therefore, the legislature pass any laws, inconsistent with the sense the judges put upon the constitution, they will declare it void; and therefore in this respect their power is superior to that of the legislature.”

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the state and federal governments in a federal system.

Pork Barrel Legislation

Refers to government spending allocated to specific projects that primarily benefit a particular state, district, or local area, rather than serving a national interest. (Often involving legislators securing funds for projects that can help their constituents, potentially as a way to gain political favor or reelection support.)

Selective Incorporation

A process where the Supreme Court applies certain provisions of the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. (Means that state laws that infringe upon fundamental rights protected by the Bill of Rights can be challenged in court.)

The 24th Amendment

Prohibits the federal and state governments from requiring voters to pay a poll tax or any other tax as a condition for voting in federal elections. (Aimed to eliminate barriers to voting that disproportionately affected African Americans in the South).

Does the president determine spending for each department?

The President does not unilaterally determine spending for each department.

Regulatory Preemption

Occurs when a higher level of government (like the federal government or a state legislature) restricts or eliminates the authority of a lower level of government (like a local government or state) to regulate a specific issue.

Federal Mandates

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state, local, and tribal governments, or even private entities, to achieve national goals.

Block Grants

A type of federal funding provided to state and local governments, offering more flexibility in how the money is used.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds are provided to state and local governments for specific, narrowly defined purposes, often with strict guidelines and requirements.

Ideological Divisions

Refers to the difference in beliefs and values that shape political opinions and policy preferences among individuals and groups.

Partisan Gridlock

Occurs when political disagreement and polarization lead to a stalemate in the legislative process, making it difficult to pass legislation or achieve policy goals.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals internalize and develop their political values, ideas, attitudes, and perceptions via the agents of socialization.

Speaker of the House

Plays the most crucial role in shaping the legislation that the president wants passed

What is the role of the House Minority Leader?

To coordinate a strategy for the minority party.

Shays’ Rebellion

Post-Revolutionary War stemming from economic hardships, including high taxes and debt issues, faced by farmers after the war.

The 19th Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965

Prohibits racial discrimination in voting, aiming to eliminate barriers to voting for racial and ethic minorities.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964

Outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, aiming to address discrimination in areas like employment, public accommodations, and voting rights.

Exit Poll

Survey of people leaving voting stations, often used to call elections before final votes are tallied.

Benchmark Poll

Conducted by a campaign at the beginning of a race for office, providing a baseline for comparison.

Opinion Poll

An assessment of public opinion obtained by questioning a representative sample.

Tracking Poll

Tracks Opinions over time

The Equal Protection Clause

Ensures that all people within a state’s jurisdiction are treated equally under the law, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. Often applied through the 5th and 14th Amendments.

The Due Process Clause

Ensures fair legal procedures and protects individuals from arbitrary government actions that might deprive them of life, liberty, or property. Found in both the 5th Amendment (applies to the federal government) and the 14th Amendment (applies to state and local governments).

The Free Exercise Clause

Protects citizens’ right to practice their chosen religion freely, without government interference, a part of the 1st Amendment.

The Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Grants Congress the power to enact laws deemed necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers, effectively allowing for implied powers beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution.

Filibuster

A parliamentary procedure used in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill or other measure. It involves a senator, or a group of senators, speaking for an extended period of time to obstruct progress on a particular piece of legislation. Requires 3/5 of the Senate (60 votes) to invoke cloture and end the filibuster.

Ideals of Democracy in the Declaration of Independence

Includes concepts of natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the social contract.

Ideals of Democracy in the Constitution

Focuses on representative government, separation of powers, and protection of individual liberties.

Federalist Views on Central Government and Democracy

Favored a strong central government to ensure stability and promote national interests; believed in a representative democracy.

Anti-Federalist Views on Central Government and Democracy

Advocated for states' rights and feared a powerful central government; preferred a more direct democracy and protections for individual liberties.

Separation of Powers

Divides governmental power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

System where each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.

Relationship Between States and National Government (Federalism)

Division of powers between the national and state governments, where some powers are exclusive to one level, and others are shared.

How Federalism Has Been Interpreted Differently Over Time

The interpretation of federalism has shifted from dual federalism (clear division) to cooperative federalism (shared responsibilities) and new federalism (devolution of power to states).

Structures, Powers, and Functions of the House of Congress

Includes the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with distinct powers and functions in the legislative process.

Roles and Powers of the President

Chief executive, commander-in-chief, and head of state; powers include vetoing legislation and issuing executive orders.

Roles and Powers of the Supreme Court and Other Federal Courts

Interpret laws, resolve disputes between states, and apply judicial review.

Roles of the Federal Bureaucracy

Implement and enforce federal laws and regulations through departments, agencies, commissions, and government corporations.

The Intent of the Bill of Rights

To protect individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government.

The First Amendment

Guarantees freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and petition.

The Second Amendment

Protects the right to bear arms for a well-regulated militia.

Supreme Court Interpretations of Other Amendments

The Supreme Court has interpreted amendments related to due process, equal protection, and privacy, shaping civil liberties and rights.

How Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses Have Motivated Social Movements

These clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment have been the basis for movements advocating for civil rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.

How Cultural and Social Factors Affect Citizens’ Beliefs About Government

Factors such as family, education, religion, and socioeconomic status influence individuals' political values and beliefs.

How Polls Are Used to Gather Data About Public Opinion

Polls are used to measure public attitudes and preferences, providing insights into political trends and policy preferences.

The Ideologies of the Democratic and Republican Parties

Democrats generally favor social equality and government intervention, while Republicans emphasize individual liberty and limited government.

How Political Ideologies Affect Policy on Economic and Social Issues

Ideologies shape perspectives on issues such as taxation, healthcare, and social welfare, influencing policy debates and outcomes.

Laws That Protect the Right to Vote

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and subsequent legislation protect against discrimination and ensure equal access to the ballot box.

Why It’s Hard for Third Parties and Independent Candidates to Succeed

Challenges include lack of financial resources, ballot access restrictions, and limited media coverage.

Interest Groups and Their Influence

Organizations that advocate for specific interests and seek to influence government policy through lobbying and advocacy.

Campaign Finance and Its Role in Elections

Funding for political campaigns can impact candidates' ability to communicate their message and influence voters.

The Media’s Role in Elections

The media informs voters about candidates and issues, and also scrutinizes the politicians.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a national government and regional governments