AP US GOVT Vocab - Unit 1

Limited Government

Political principle restricting the powers and authority of government, ensuring it cannot infringe upon individual rights and freedom. It serves as the foundation of democracy, emphasizing government operation within boundaries set by the laws and the constitution.

Natural Rights

Fundamental human rights that are inherent and universal, regardless of laws or customs. It enumerates life, liberty, and property (now freedom), which serve as the foundation for democratic governance and individual freedoms. These rights are given because one is human, a significant implication for the relationship of citizens to the government.

Popular Sovereignty

Principle that government authority is created and sustained by the consent of its people via elected representatives. It is foundational to democracy as the legitimization of the government originates from the people's will, ensuring that the laws and policies are tailored to the citizens' needs. It further connects with democracy, reinforcing that power resides within the people.

Republicanism

Political ideology centered around the belief that government should be based on the consent of the governed and that representatives should be elected for the people's interests. Emphasizes civic virtue and mixed government, balancing the interests of various social classes to avoid tyranny. It further promotes active participation in governance via citizens and advocates for a system where laws are created via a representative framework over a monarchy/dictatorship (Ideology)

Social Contract

Philosophy that individuals consent (both explicit and implicit) to surrender freedoms and submit to the governing body's authority for the protection of remaining rights. Forms the foundation of the political philosophy of democracy, emphasizing individual rights, collective decision-making, and government power derived from consent of the governed.

Representative Democracy

System of governance where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. Makes government more manageable as elected officials can dedicate more time to crafting legislation dependent on complex issues. It ensures the government reflects the will of the people via representatives.

Participatory Democracy

Political system emphasizing active engagement and involvement of citizens in the decision-making process of the government. Citizens can directly influence policy decisions and participate in these discussions instead of voting for representatives who make their decisions. This creates a sense of community and empowers citizens.

Pluralist Democracy

Political system in which multiple groups, interests, and organizations compete for power and influence within government. This allows for a diversity of viewpoints and ensures that no single group dominates, paralleling broad societal interests. Decisions made involve negotiation and compromise among factions for a fair representative governance structure.

Elite Democracy

Political theory emphasizing the role of select individuals in groups influencing political decisions and governance. Although citizens have rights to vote, actual power and decision-making rest with the elite (politicians, business leaders, and intellectuals). Highlights the idea that the elite possess the resources & knowledge necessary to make informed decisions on behalf of the population.

US Constitution

The foundation of the US legal document, establishing the framework of the federal government and its relationship with states and citizens. It embodies democratic principles, outlines government branches' powers, and protects individual rights via amendments.

Federalist 10.

Essay by James Madison as part of The Federalist Papers, arguing for the US Constitution's ratification. It focuses on the dangers of factionalism and how a large republic can mitigate this threat through a system of representation and diversity of interests. (Foundational principles of American democracy and government design to balance competing values)

Brutus 1

An Anti-Federalist paper written by an author known as Brutus, arguing against ratification of the US Constitution. It was concerned with the potential for a strong central government to infringe upon individual liberties and states' rights. It prioritized maintaining a decentralized political system to protect democracy from monarchy and dictatorship.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the US, ratified in 1781. Established loose alliance of independent states and weak central government (13 states). The framework prioritized preserving state sovereignty while managing collective affairs, but was insufficient in addressing the nation's challenges.

Anti-Federalist

Group of individuals opposed to U.S. Constitution's ratification. They advocated decentralized governments and more power for individual states. They were concerned with a strong national government that could potentially undermine states' rights. Their arguments served as the basis for the Bill of Rights for the protection of individual freedoms.

Federalist

US political party that supported a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution. The main impact was shaping the US economic and political systems during its early years.

Democracy

System of government where power is vested in the people who can use it directly or indirectly (elected representatives). Connected with principles of equality, political participation, and protection of individual rights, ensuring the majority's voice does not ignore minority viewpoints. Embodies reflecting will of the governed and safeguards citizens' interests.

Faction

Group of individuals within a larger organization that is united by shared interests, beliefs, or goals. They seek to influence or control political decisions. Can destabilize the political system as they may prioritize individual interests rather than the common good.

Shay's Rebellion

Uprising in western Massachusetts by Daniel Shays (1786-1787), a former Revolutionary War captain, against high taxes, economic distress, and lack of effective government/ability to raise an army under the Articles of Confederation.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

Agreement made during 1787 Constitutional Convention establishing a system of dual congressional representation. It combines elements of the Virginia Plan (favoring larger states with representation via population) and the New Jersey Plan (equal representation for smaller states). Compromise shaped Congress structure and the Constitution's ratification.

Electoral College

Unique system in U.S. Constitution for electing the President and Vice President via 538 electors that represent states. Mechanism made to balance populous states' influence with less populated ones, reflecting the federal structure of government where states influence national elections.

⅗ Compromise

Agreement made during the 1787 Constitutional Convention determined the apportionment of representation and taxation of slaves. Stipulated that each slave was counted ⅗ of a person for these purposes, balancing slaveholding and non-slaveholding states. Emphasized contentions regarding slavery and representation.

Constitutional Convention

Gathering of delegates in 1787 in Philadelphia, which aimed at addressing the Articles of Confederation's weaknesses, creating a new framework for the US government. This event led to the drafting of the US Constitution, establishing a stronger federal government and systems of checks and balances, reflecting the concept of governing to counter unresolved disputes.

Ratification

Formal approval process by which proposed laws or constitutional amendments are officially accepted. The process requires a majority of votes from the governing body or electorate, marking proposals transitioning into legally binding laws/amendments.

Separation of powers

Governance model dividing responsibilities and government powers into three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial). Framework ensures no single branch can abuse its power and that each branch has its own unique functions that can check and balance governing powers.

Checks and Balances

Foundational principle in the US government system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the other branches' powers. Promotes accountability and restriction of power abuse, ensuring actions reflect the will of the people for their individual rights.

Impeachment

Process by which a legislative body (Congress) charges a public official for misconduct in office. Process checks on the powers of the executive branch and ensure accountability for government officials. An official may be removed from office if convicted in a subsequent trial.

Concurrent powers

Authorities shared by both the federal government and the state government in the US. Both levels of government can exercise powers independently and simultaneously, resulting in an overlap of responsibilities and jurisdiction.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to state/local governments for purposes that have strict regulations on how money can be spent. These are designed to assist in the implementation of national policy goals & allow flexibility in how goals are achieved.

Block Grants

Large sums of money granted by the federal government to the state/local government for broad purposes, allowing them to spend the funds freely. It empowers states to tailor programs to their specific needs whilst receiving federal support.

Mandates

Official orders/requirements imposed by higher authority, referring to federal requirements that states must follow to receive funding/support. It represents the balance of power between nation and state government with how policies are implemented.

Federalism

System of government where power is divided between the central authority and smaller political units/states. Divisions allow for multiple government levels to coexist, with each having respective responsibilities & powers to accommodate diverse needs and interests of a large nation.

10th amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to states are reserved for the states and people.

14th amendment

Grants citizenship to all persons born/naturalized in the US, ensuring that no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor deny any person equal protection of the laws.

Commerce Clause

Provision in US Constitution under Article I, Section 8, granting Congress power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among states, and with Indian tribes.

Necessary & Proper Clause

Article I, Section 8 of US Constitution, which grants Congress power to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, exemplifying its implied powers. It allows the federal government to adapt to changing political landscapes to maintain constitutional authority.

Elastic Clause

Implied powers of the federal government that enable it to expand its authority beyond the written Constitution. It permits greater adaptability and flexibility in governing and ensures that the federal government can adjust to changing circumstances without rigid limits imposed by the Constitution.

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution in Article I, Section 8. It establishes a framework for federal authority, defining a balance of power and responsibilities between state and national government.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from its language, allowing the federal government to fulfill its enumerated powers. It promotes a flexible interpretation of the Constitution, expanding federal authority. It affects how presidential authority and federalism change in practice.