Vocabulary Final '24 AP GOV

Limited government

Governmental power is restricted by law, usually through a constitution, to protect individual rights.

Participatory democracy

A system where citizens actively participate in the decision-making process

Federalist #10

An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic can control factions better than smaller ones.

Brutus #1

An anti-Federalist paper warning that the Constitution would create an over powerful central government.

Reserved Powers

Powers assigned to the states or the people under the Tenth Amendment

Factions

Groups of people united by a common interest that may be adverse to the rights of others or the public good

Article I

Establishes the legislative branch, outlining the powers, structure, and functions of Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Article II

Establishes the executive branch, detailing the powers and responsibilities of the President and Vice President, including enforcing laws and commanding the military.

Article III

Establishes the judicial branch, creating the Supreme Court and outlining its jurisdiction, as well as the role of lower courts.

Article IV

Addresses the relationships between states, including the Full Faith and Credit Clause, privileges and immunities, and the admission of new states.

Article V

Outlines the amendment process, specifying how changes can be proposed and ratified to adapt the Constitution over time.

Article VI

Establishes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the "supreme law of the land" and includes the Supremacy Clause. It also mandates an oath of office and prohibits religious tests for officeholders.

Article VII

Describes the ratification process, requiring nine of the thirteen original states to approve the Constitution for it to take effect.

Federalist #51

An essay emphasizing checks and balances and the separation of powers to prevent tyranny

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxing and law enforcement.

“Marble Cake” Federalism

A metaphor describing cooperative federalism where state and federal powers overlap

Mandates

Directives from the federal government that states must follow, often without funding.Federal funding provided to states for specific purposes, with strict guidelines

Categorical Grants

Federal funding provided to states for specific purposes, with strict guidelines

Tenth Amendment

Affirms that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate trade among states and with foreign nations.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to carry out enumerated powers

State Sovereignty

The concept that states have independent authority and are not entirely controlled by the federal government.

Statute

A formal written law enacted by a legislative body.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A Supreme Court case affirming federal supremacy and validating implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

United States vs. Lopez (1995)

Limited Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause by striking down a federal law on gun-free school zones.

Political socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.

Individualism

The belief in the importance of individual rights and responsibilities over collective goals.

Rule of law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to the law.

Benchmark polls

Initial surveys used to gauge public opinion and establish a starting point for a campaign.

Conservative ideology

A political philosophy emphasizing tradition, limited government, and free-market policies.

Keynesian economic policies

Economic strategies advocating government intervention to stabilize the economy during recessions

Fiscal policy

Government use of spending and taxation to influence the economy

Congressional committee

A group in Congress that handles specific duties, such as drafting bills and oversight.

Partisanship

Strong allegiance to one’s political party, often leading to reluctance to compromise.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

A Supreme Court case ruling that racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause.

Federalist #70

Argues for a single, energetic executive for effective governance and accountability.

Bully pulpit

A president’s platform to promote an agenda and influence public opinion

Federalist #78

Discusses the role of the judiciary and the importance of judicial review.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to strike down unconstitutional laws.

Precedent

A legal decision that serves as a rule for future cases.

Federal bureaucracy

Agencies and employees of the executive branch responsible for implementing laws.

“Iron triangles”

A relationship between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups that influences policy

Power of the purse

The ability of Congress to control spending and fund government programs.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race or previous servitude.

Nineteenth Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

Twenty Sixth Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18

Interest groups

Organizations that advocate for specific policies or issues.

Party platforms

A political party’s formal statement of its goals and policies

Proportional voting system

Allocates seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives

Winner-take-all voting system

The candidate with the majority wins all the representation.

Incumbency advantage

Benefits enjoyed by current officeholders, making reelection easier

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

Legislation aimed at regulating campaign financing and reducing soft money.

Soft money

Unregulated contributions to political parties for general use, banned by the BCRA.

Hard money

Regulated donations to candidates for specific campaign purposes.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Allowed unlimited political spending by corporations and unions as free speech

Horse Race journalism

Media focus on candidates’ standings in polls rather than their policies

Watchdog

The media’s role in monitoring government and exposing wrongdoing.

Media bias

The perceived or actual partiality in news reporting

Fiscal federalism

The financial relationship between federal and state governments, often involving grants and funding.

Amendment 1

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition

Amendment 2

The right of the people to keep and bear arms.

Amendment 3

It prevents soldiers from being quartered in private homes without consent during peacetime.

Amendment 4

Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; requires probable cause and a warrant.

Amendment 5

Protection from self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and ensures duet process and just compensation for property taken.

Amendment 6

The right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, and the right to counsel.

Amendment 7

The right to a jury trial in civil cases involving disputes over property or money.

Amendment 8

Excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

Amendment 9

That the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean others do not exist.

Amendment 10

That powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.