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

Enlightenment

An 18th-century philosophical movement advocating reason over tradition to solve social problems.

Social Contract

An agreement where individuals sacrifice some freedoms in exchange for governmental protection.

Natural Rights

Life, liberty, and property rights that John Locke argued must be protected by government.

Checks and Balances

A principle that ensures no branch of government can dominate or abuse its power.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between national and state governments.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government power derives from the consent of the governed.

Shays' Rebellion

A 1786-1787 uprising that exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger central government.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that enslaved people would count as three-fifths of a person for determining representation in Congress.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President.

Brutus No. 1

An essay criticizing the Constitution for granting too much power to the national government.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison addressing how a large republic can control factions.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare legislative and executive acts unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on political issues.

Civil Liberties

Protections against government actions that infringe on individual freedoms.

Civil Rights

The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and be free from discrimination.

Lemon Test

A three-part test for determining whether a law violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting.

Social Security

A government program that provides financial assistance to retirees and the disabled.

Mandatory Spending

Government spending that is required by existing law, including entitlements like Social Security.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence government policies to achieve specific goals.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that raise and spend money to influence elections and legislation.

Iron Triangle

The stable, mutually beneficial relationship between government agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees.