AP GOV TERMS

Extra terms that were in notes

Faction

A group with a shared interest adverse to public good or minority rights.

Pluralism

Multiple competing groups prevent any single faction from dominating.

Pure democracy

Citizens directly participate in government; small-scale; vulnerable to majority tyranny.

Republic

Government in which representatives are elected to refine public opinion and protect rights.

Anti-Federalist

Opponent of the Constitution fearing strong national government.

Tyranny

Abuse of government power threatening rights and liberty.

State sovereignty

States retain independent powers from national government.

Natural rights

Inherent rights of individuals (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness).

Popular sovereignty

Government derives legitimacy from consent of the governed.

Social contract

Agreement between people and government to secure rights.

Confederation

Alliance of states with weak central authority.

Supermajority

More than simple majority needed for decisions.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

Separation of powers

Dividing government into branches to prevent abuse.

Checks and balances

Each branch can limit others’ power.

Enumerated powers

Powers explicitly given to Congress.

Reserved powers

Powers retained by states.

Judicial review

Courts can declare laws unconstitutional.

Life tenure

Judges serve for life unless impeached.

Judicial independence

Courts operate free from political influence.

Civil disobedience

Nonviolent law-breaking to protest injustice.

Unjust law

Law conflicting with morality or equality.

Equal protection

All people entitled to same rights under law.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law overrides conflicting state law.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Congress can make laws to carry out powers granted by the Constitution.

Commerce Clause

Congress regulates interstate trade.

Reserved powers

Powers kept by states (10th Amendment).

Symbolic speech

Nonverbal actions expressing ideas.

Prior restraint

Government blocking publication.

Clear and present danger

Speech that threatens immediate harm.

Incorporation

Applying Bill of Rights to states.

Due process

Government must follow fair procedures.

Selective incorporation

Rights applied to states case by case.

Equal Protection Clause

States cannot treat people unequally.

Independent expenditures

Spending not coordinated with a candidate.

Justiciable

Can be reviewed by courts.

Redistricting

Drawing district boundaries.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating district lines for political advantage.

Judicial review

Court can nullify unconstitutional laws/actions.