AP Government Constitution Test Review

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and important roles related to the AP Government Constitution test.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Allowed slaveholding states to count 60% of their enslaved population toward congressional representation and Electoral College votes.

Connecticut Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature blending the Virginia Plan (population-based House) and the New Jersey Plan (equal-state Senate).

Federalists

Group that argued in favor of ratifying the US Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Group that argued in favor of adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.

Supremacy Clause

Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Article 1 Section 8

Gives Congress the power to pass all laws 'necessary and proper' for executing its enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

Congress can regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from creating an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Allows individuals to practice their religion freely.

Due Process Clause

Requires fair procedures for the government when enforcing laws.

Equal Protection Clause

Requires that states treat all individuals equally.

House of Representatives

Chamber of Congress considered the 'Voice of the People', initiates revenue bills, and has 435 members.

Senate

Chamber of Congress that confirms Presidential appointments and has 100 members.

Veto

The main check that the President has on Congress' legislative power.

State of the Union

Annual speech by the President to rally support for future policies.

Impeachment

Process to remove a sitting Supreme Court Justice or President.

Miranda Rights

Warnings that police must give to an arrested person, including the right to remain silent.

Eminent Domain

Government's right to seize private property for public use.

Due Process Clause

Ensures states follow laws before depriving individuals of life and liberty.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Bill of Rights is applied to the states.

General Assembly

Illinois legislative body consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Lieutenant Governor

Position most similar to Vice President in the Illinois Executive Branch.

Comptroller and Treasurer

Two positions in Illinois Executive Branch responsible for state finances.

Speaker of the House

Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives.

President of the Senate

Leader of the Illinois Senate.

Article 1

Creates the legislative branch (congress)

Article 2

Creates the executive branch

Article 3

Creates the judicial branch

Article 4

Relationship between the federal government and the state government

Article 5

Congress or State can propose amendments

Article 6

Creates “Supremacy Clause” (Constitution is supreme law of the land)

Article 7

Ratification by conventions in nine of the thirteen states was necessary for the document to become the official law of the land

House of Representatives - Total # of Members

435 members.

House of Representatives - Amount Per State

Based on population.

House of Representatives - Term Length

2 years.

House of Representatives - Age Requirement

25 years old.

House of Representatives - Citizenship Requirement

U.S Citizen for 7 years.

House of Representatives - Residency Requirement

Live in the state.

Senate - Total # of Members

100 members.

Senate - Amount Per State

Two per state.

Senate - Term Length

6 years.

Senate - Age Requirement

At least 30 years old.

Senate - Residency Requirement

Live in the state.

Propose a constitutional amendment to override the decision

What action can Congress take if they disagree with the Supreme Court finding a federal law unconstitutional?

Interpret Laws

Interpret Laws The main job of the Judical Branch is to ___ the laws.

A sitting Supreme Court Justice could be removed through the process of

Impeachment from the House of Representatives and conviction of the senate

First Amendment - 5 Freedoms

Includes the freedoms of Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly, and Petition.

Symbolic Speech

Non-verbal expressions like gestures, flags, or clothing that convey a message.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects individuals' rights to practice any religion of their choice.

Second Amendment - Right to Bear Arms

Recognizes the right to use guns, balancing regulated militias and individual rights.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Exclusionary Rule

Illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court.

Search Warrant

A legal document issued by a judge allowing law enforcement to search specific areas.

Probable Cause

The grounds that justify the belief that a person has committed a crime.

Fifth Amendment

Protects individuals' rights in criminal cases.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Guarantees that a person under arrest must be brought before a judge.

Double Jeopardy

Legal principle that prohibits a person from being tried twice for the same crime.

“Plead the Fifth”

The right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.

Miranda Rights

Warnings that police must give to an arrested person, including the right to an attorney.

Eminent Domain

The government’s right to seize private property for public use, e.g., for roads.

Sixth Amendment

Ensures the accused are guaranteed the right to a fair trial and legal representation.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits excessive fines and unusual punishments.

Capital Punishment / Death Penalty

The execution of a person as a form of punishment.

Ninth Amendment

Affirms that people have rights beyond those listed in the Constitution, e.g., right to privacy.

Tenth Amendment - Powers Reserved to the States

Powers not granted to the federal government are reserved to the states.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Fourteenth Amendment

Defines citizenship and mandates equal protection under the law.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Bill of Rights is applied to the states.

Due Process Clause

Requires states to follow legal procedures when depriving individuals of life and liberty.

Equal Protection Clause

Mandates that everyone is treated equally under the law.

Twenty-Second Amendment

Limits the President to two terms in office.

Twenty-Fifth Amendment

Establishes the procedure for presidential succession, allowing the VP to take over if the President dies.

What is different about the way IL STATE Supreme Court justices get their positions, as opposed to SCOTUS justices?

They are elected by the President but IL Supreme court is elected by the people and serve 10 year terms