Ap Gov Final

Democracy

A system of government where power is held by the people.

Natural Rights

Rights to life, liberty, and property that the government cannot take away.

Republicanism

Participatory rights and a focus on the common good.

Declaration of Independence

Document by Thomas Jefferson outlining citizens' rights, grievances, and the statement of separation.

Participatory Democracy

Theory that widespread political participation is essential for democratic governance.

Elitist Democracy

Theory that elites possess disproportionate influence in policy-making.

Articles of Confederation

The initial governing document of the United States, intentionally made weak to prevent tyranny.

Shays' Rebellion

A rebellion that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to Washington's return to public life.

Constitution

The framework for the national government of the United States.

Ex Post Facto Laws

Laws that punish people for actions that were not crimes at the time they were committed.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for a unicameral legislature where each state has an equal number of representatives.

3/5 Compromise

Agreement that slaves would count as three-fifths of a person for representation in the House.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to overturn laws or executive actions that violate the Constitution.

Federalist 51

James Madison's essay arguing for checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

Federalist 10

James Madison's essay discussing the dangers of factions and their mitigation in a large republic.

Brutus I

Anti-Federalist paper arguing that one large country cannot effectively be governed as a republic.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Enumerated (Expressed) Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the government, such as raising an army.

Implied Powers

Powers not specifically granted but necessary to carry out expressed powers, like drafting soldiers.

Basics of Federalism in America

The 10th Amendment reserves rights to the states while concurrent powers are shared.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court case that confirmed the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the U.S. and cited the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR)

President who sought broad executive power to address the Great Depression through cooperative federalism.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants in aid that must be used for specific purposes.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal requirements imposed on states without funding.

US v. Lopez

Supreme Court case ruling that the Commerce Clause did not justify federal regulation of guns in schools.

Power of Congress

Includes lawmaking, budgeting, and oversight.

Oversight

The process of ensuring laws are implemented as intended.

Gerrymandering

The intentional manipulation of district boundaries to benefit a specific party.

Baker v. Carr

Supreme Court case that established the one-person, one-vote principle.

Speaker of the House

The most powerful member of Congress who decides who speaks and under what circumstances.

Bill Becomes Law Steps

Introduction, referral to committee, floor consideration, resolution, and presidential action.

House Rules Committee

Committee that determines when a bill will be debated and for how long.

22nd Amendment

Limits the President to two terms in office.

Federalist 70

Essay by Alexander Hamilton arguing that multiple executives can weaken national defense.

Making Treaties

Shared power between Congress and the President, requiring a two-thirds Senate vote for ratification.

Executive Agreement

An agreement between the President and another nation that does not require Senate ratification.

Bargaining & Persuasion

The ability of the President to persuade Congress on issues.

US President's Ability to Act

the ability to act unilaterally, without the consent of Congress.

Federalist 78

Alexander Hamilton's essay asserting the independence of the judiciary and lifetime appointments.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority to hear a case first and find facts.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority to review and potentially overturn decisions made by lower courts.

Federal Judges

Lifetime appointments allowing presidents long-term influence.

Marbury v. Madison

The case establishing the principle of judicial review.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.

Judicial Restraint

The philosophy that justices should be cautious in overturning laws.

Judicial Activism

The philosophy that justices should use their power to create bold new policies.

Federal Bureaucracy

The departments and agencies in the executive branch that carry out national laws.

Bureaucrat

An official employed within a government bureaucracy, such as the Department of Homeland Security.

Political Patronage (Spoils System)

Rewarding political supporters with government jobs.

Pendleton Act (1883)

Established hiring and promoting based on qualifications rather than political connections.

Iron Triangle

The stable relationship among bureaucracy, Congress, and interest groups.

Agency Capture

When regulatory agencies act in the interest of the industries they regulate rather than the public.

Civil Liberties

Basic rights and freedoms that cannot be taken away.

Civil Rights

Government protection against discrimination for individuals as a particular group.

Federalist 84

James Madison's essay arguing that citizens have rights beyond those listed in the Bill of Rights.

Gitlow v. New York (1925)

Case establishing selective incorporation of the Bill of Rights.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Case affirming the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Lawrence v. Texas (2003) & Roe v. Wade

Cases that expanded the right to privacy.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

Supreme Court case ruling that former slaves were not U.S. citizens.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the 14th Amendment guaranteeing equal rights.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Supreme Court ruling that upheld the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

First Wave Women's Rights Movement

The movement in the 1800s focused on women's right to vote.

Second Wave Women's Rights Movement

Emergence of the movement in the late 1890s addressing inequities in the workforce.

Title IX

Prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs and activities.