AP U.S. Government and Politics Unit 1 - Foundations of American Democracy

Vocabulary practice flashcards for AP U.S. Government and Politics Unit 1 review packet covering constitutional principles, federalism, debates, compromises, and landmark court cases.

Federalists

Supporters of the new federal U.S. Constitution who argued that the constitutional separation of powers and checks and balances would protect people from governmental tyranny and unify the nation.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the new federal system who argued that the Constitution would erode state sovereignty, local self-government, and inherited liberties because it lacked a specific listing of rights.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791 to guarantee specific rights and protect citizens from the national government.

Articles of Confederation

The first state-centered, decentralized system of national government created after American independence that established a weak central Congress.

Participatory Democracy

A theory of representative democracy that emphasizes broad participation by citizens in politics and civil society.

Pluralist Democracy

A theory of representative democracy where group-based activism by nongovernmental interests strives to impact political decision-making.

Elite Democracy

A theory of representative democracy in which a small number of elite people, usually wealthy or educated, influence political decision-making.

Faction

A group of citizens united by a common interest or passion that is contrary to the rights of other citizens or the interests of the whole community.

Federalist #10

A foundational document written by James Madison arguing that a large, strong republic is best equipped to control the negative effects of factions.

Brutus 1

An Anti-Federalist foundational document expressing reluctance to ratify the Constitution due to concerns over giving too much power to a central government.

Shay's Rebellion

An armed uprising by farmers in Massachusetts that exposed the weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

An agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature combining population-based representation (Virginia Plan) and equal state representation (New Jersey Plan).

Virginia Plan

A proposal presented at the Constitutional Convention calling for a bicameral national legislature with representation based on state population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal presented at the Constitutional Convention calling for a unicameral national legislature with equal representation for each state.

Electoral College

The system established by the U.S. Constitution for selecting the President and Vice President.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention stating that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for representation in Congress and direct taxation.

Separation of Powers

The constitutional principle dispersing governmental authority among three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Checks and Balances

A constitutional system that gives each branch of government specific power to limit and review the actions of the other branches.

Federalist No. 51

A foundational document written by James Madison explaining how separation of powers and checks and balances protect liberty and control governmental power.

Expressed/Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the national government in the text of the U.S. Constitution.

Concurrent Powers

Governing powers that are shared by both the national government and state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers kept by the state governments under the 10th Amendment, not delegated to the federal government.

Implied Powers

Powers of the national government that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary to carry out enumerated powers.

Federal Revenue Sharing

A policy of distributing federal tax money directly to state and local governments with virtually no restrictions on usage.

Mandates

Federal rules or directives that state and local governments must follow, regardless of whether federal funding is provided.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants provided to states or local governments for specific, narrowly defined purposes with attached regulations.

Block Grants

Federal funding allocated to states for broad policy areas, giving states greater authority over how the funds are spent.

10th Amendment

The constitutional amendment declaring that powers not delegated to the national government are reserved to the states or to the people.

14th Amendment

The constitutional amendment defining citizenship and protecting individuals' rights to due process and equal protection under the law against state action.

Commerce Clause

The clause in Article I of the Constitution giving Congress the power to regulate trade with foreign nations and among the states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

The clause in Article I, Section 8 authorizing Congress to pass all laws needed to execute its enumerated powers.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A Supreme Court case establishing national supremacy and ruling that Congress has implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

United States v. Lopez

A Supreme Court case ruling that Congress had exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause, limiting national power and upholding federalism.