AP Gov - Chapter 2 Vocab Dictionary

Antifederalists

• opposed the creation of a strong central government

• advocated for a weaker national government with more power retained by the states

Articles of Confederation

First attempt at a new American government. But was too much and later replaces by the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the Constitution that protect individual rights and liberties.

Brutus I

Anti-federalist essay that argued against the proposed Constitution fearing it would centralize too much power in the national government

Commerce Clause

grants Congress authority over interstate commerce and limits states’ power to regulate it, creating a national free-trade zone.

Constitution

the fundamental set of principles, laws, and rules that defines how a country is run, establishing the structure, powers and limits of its government, as well as the basic rights of its people.

Enumerated Powers

powers specifically listed and granted to the U.S. federal government by Constitution

Federalist 10

• essays written by James Madison

• explains that political factions are natural result of human nature, but a large, unified republic, rather than a direct democracy, is the best way to control them and prevent any single faction from dominating.

Federalists

a person who advocates or supports a system of government in which several states unite under a central authory

Impeachment

a charge of misconduct made against a holder of a public office

Judicial Review

the power of federal courts to review and strike down laws, executive actions, and statutes that are found to be unconstitutional

Limited government

a principle where the government’s power is restricted by law, primarily through a constitution, to protect individual rights and prevent tyranny.

Marbury V. Madison

established judicial review, the Supreme Court’s power to interpret the Constitution and declare laws or actions unconstitutional, making the Constitution the supreme law of the land and affirming the judiciary’s role in the system of checks and balances

National Supremacy Clause

The part of Article VI of the U.S. Constitution that establishes the U.S. Constitution, federal laws made under its authority, and treaties as the ‘supreme Law of the Land

Natural Rights

inherent rights such as life, liberty, and property or the pursuit of happiness that individuals possess by virtue of being human not from government or society

Necessary and Proper Clause

grants Congress the power to make laws and take actions that are ‘necessary and proper’ for carrying out its explicitly listed, or enumerated powers

Parliamentary System

a form of government where the executive branch, led by the prime minister or chancellor, is drawn from and accountable to the legislature

Pluralism

organized groups with competing interests compete for influence over public policy and no single group dominates politics

Popular Sovereignty

political power ultimately rests with the people, meaning the government’s authority comes from their consent and the people’s will

Power of the Purse

Congress’s constitutional authority to control government spending and taxation

Executive Power Clause

president is the head of the executive branch

Republicanism

government should be based on the will of the people with elected representatives making decisions on their behalf

Reserved Powers

powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution nor prohibitedu to the states and are therefore reserved for the states by the Tenth Amendment

Shay’s Rebellion

an armed uprising in Massachusetts by farmers protesting high taxes and farm foreclosures

Social Contract

citizens give consent to the government to be ruled over by giving up some individual freedoms