Unit 1 Terms (AP Review Packet)

A collection of terms and definitions related to key concepts in American government.

Popular Sovereignty

Theory that the people have the ultimate authority.

Social Contract

Giving up some freedoms in exchange for protection and order.

Separation of Powers

Division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches which prevents concentration of powers.

Checks & Balances

Each of the three branches of government can check some acts of the others and ensure that no one branch becomes too powerful.

Participatory Democracy

Citizens have the power to make policy decisions; broad participation of people in politics.

Pluralist Democracy

No one group dominates politics and organized groups compete with each other to influence policy.

Elite Democracy

A small number of people, usually wealthy and well educated, influence policy making.

Limited Government

Strict limits on its lawful uses of power, and ability to stop people from liberty.

Great Compromise

Constitutional convention in which states have equal representation in one house and representation based on population in the other.

Enumerated Powers

Constitutional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8).

Implied Powers

Not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but are necessary to carry out the enumerated powers.

Reserved Powers

Powers not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution and reserved for the states or the people.

Dual Federalism

Divided powers that are strictly between the state and national government.

Cooperative Federalism

Federal and state governments work on the same issues.

New Federalism/Devolution

Federal government power is given more to the states.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the federal government and state governments.

Mandates

An order (or law) from the central government that all states must follow.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants for specific purposes.

Block Grants

Grants for a general purpose that gives states more discretion.

Faction

Founders used this term to refer to political parties and special interest or third groups.

Commerce Clause

The power of Congress to regulate the economy, between states with foreign nations and Indian tribes.

Necessary & Proper Clause

Constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to make all laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in ventures or public life.

No Child Left Behind Act

Requires states to set high academic standards and support students in meeting these standards.