AP Government Unit 1 Test

Government

The institutions and processes that make public policies for a society

Politics

The process of determining who gets what, when, and how in government

Policy-Making System

The process by which political issues get turned into policies that affect people

Linkage Institutions

Groups that connect people to government (parties, media, elections, interest groups)

Pluralism

The idea that many groups compete for influence, and this competition shapes policy

Elitism

The belief that a small group of wealthy, powerful people dominate politics

Hyperpluralism

When too many groups push demands, causing government gridlock and weakened authority

Majority Rule

Decisions are made based on what most people want

Minority Rights

Protections to ensure the majority cannot oppress smaller groups

Policy Agenda

The list of issues government is paying attention to and may act on

Natural Rights

Rights all people are born with (life, liberty, property/pursuit of happiness)

Social Contract

The agreement where people give up some freedom in exchange for government protection

Articles of Confederation

America’s first constitution with weak central government and strong states. Failed because of the inability to tax

Shay’s Rebellion

1786 farmers’ revolt showing the weakness of the Articles of Confederation

Factions

Groups of people united by common interests, often opposed to others. Highlighted in Federalist 10

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

Created bicameral Congress: House by population, Senate equal representation

3/5 Compromise

Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation

Checks and Balances

Each branch limits the others to prevent abuse of power

Separation of Powers

Government power is divided among legislative, executive, and judicial branches

Republicanism/Republic

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions

Judicial Review

Courts can strike down laws or actions that violate the Constitution

Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported the Constitution; Anti-Federalists wanted stronger state powers and a Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments protecting individual freedoms

Amendment Process

The formal way to change the Constitution

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments

Unitary System

Power is centralized in the national government

Confederation

Power is mostly with states; national government is weak

Enumerated Powers (expressed)

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for the federal government

Implied Powers

Powers not listed but necessary to carry out expressed powers

Reserved Powers

Powers kept by the states (10th amendment)

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments

Supremacy Clause

Federal laws are the “supreme law of the land”

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Congress can pass laws needed to carry out its powers as long as its in accordance with the Constitution

Commerce Clause

Congress can regulate trade between states and with foreign nations

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must honor other states’ laws, records, and court rulings

Privileges and Immunities Clause

States must treat citizens of other states equally

Extradition Clause

Criminals must be returned to the state where they committed the crime

Tenth Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people

McCulloch vs Maryland

Established implied powers and federal supremacy

Gibbons vs Ogden

Expanded federal power to regulate interstate commerce

United States vs Lopez

Limited Congress’s commerce power; struck down Gun-Free School Zones Act

Dual Federalism

States and national governments have separate responsibilities

Cooperative Federalism

State and national governments share responsibilities

Fiscal Federalism

Using money (grants) to influence state policies

Categorical Grants

Federal money for specific purposes with rules attached

Block Grants

Federal money given with broad flexibility for states

Mandates/Unfunded Mandates

Federal requirements states must follow, sometimes without funding

Supremacy Clause (Article VI)

Federal law overrides state law

Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18)

Congress can pass laws to carry out powers

Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3)

Congress regulates interstate/foreign trade

Full Faith and Credit (Article IV, Section 1)

States recognize each other’s laws/records

Privileges and Immunities (Article IV, Section 2)

States treat all U.S. citizens fairly

Extradition (Article IV, Section 2, Clause 2)

States have to return criminals to where the crime was committed

Establishment Clause (1st Amendment)

Government cannot establish an official religion nor prevent the practice of any religion

Free Exercise Clause (1st Amendment)

People can practice any religion (or none)

Due Process Clause (5th and 14th Amendments)

Governments must follow fair legal procedures

Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment)

States must treat people equally under the law

1st Amendment

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms

4th Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

5th Amendment

Rights of the accused: due process, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination

6th Amendment

Right to a fair, speedy trial with a lawyer and jury

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment, no excessive bail

10th Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for states/people

14th Amendment

Citizenship, due process, and equal protection under the law

17th Amendment

Direct election of senators