AP GOV FOR FUCKING REAL

Limited Government

A system where government powers are restricted by the Constitution to protect individual rights, ensuring that no individual or group can wield unchecked power.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of government is derived from the consent of the governed, emphasizing that the power lies with the people.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, such as life, liberty, and property, which the government is obligated to protect.

Social Contract Theory

The philosophical idea that individuals consent to form a government in exchange for the protection of their rights, establishing the legitimacy of governmental authority.

Necessary and Proper Clause

This clause grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers, forming the basis for implied powers.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law in cases of conflict, ensuring a uniform legal framework across the nation.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens from other states, promoting equality and fairness in legal rights.

Executive Constitutional Authority

Refers to the broad powers granted to the president, allowing for flexible interpretation in enforcing laws and executing responsibilities.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, which established a confederation of sovereign states with a weak central authority.

Weaknesses of the Articles

The Articles lacked the power to tax, maintain a national army, enforce laws, and respond effectively to national crises, leading to significant governance challenges.

Shays’ Rebellion

A pivotal uprising in 1786-1787 that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles, demonstrating the inability of the federal government to maintain order and security, ultimately leading to calls for a stronger national government.

Bicameral Legislature

Congress is divided into two chambers: the House of Representatives, which reflects the will of the people, and the Senate, which represents state interests.

House of Representatives

Members serve 2-year terms, and all revenue bills must originate here, ensuring that taxation reflects the will of the populace.

Senate

Senators serve 6-year terms, with the power to confirm presidential nominees and ratify treaties, balancing the interests of states with national governance.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or block a vote on a bill, requiring a supermajority to end.

Cloture

A procedure that allows the Senate to end a filibuster with a vote of 60 members, facilitating legislative progress.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees that focus on specific policy areas, playing a crucial role in the legislative process by reviewing and amending proposed legislation.

Delegate Model of Representation

Legislators act according to the preferences of their constituents, prioritizing public opinion in decision-making.

Trustee Model of Representation

Legislators use their judgment and expertise to make decisions, sometimes against the immediate preferences of their constituents.

Redistricting and Gerrymandering

The process of redrawing district boundaries can be manipulated (gerrymandering) to favor a particular political party, impacting electoral outcomes.

Veto Power

The president can reject legislation passed by Congress, serving as a check on legislative power.

Pocket Veto

A strategic veto where the president takes no action on a bill, effectively preventing it from becoming law if Congress adjourns.

Commander in Chief

The president's role as the head of the military, responsible for national defense and military operations.

Treaty Power

The president can negotiate treaties, which require Senate approval, balancing executive and legislative powers.

Executive Agreements

International agreements made by the president that do not require Senate ratification, allowing for swift diplomatic actions.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government, having the force of law.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Original vs. Appellate Jurisdiction

Original jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case first, while appellate jurisdiction allows courts to review decisions made by lower courts.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the federal judiciary, with final appellate authority over federal and state court cases.

Judicial Limitations

The judiciary relies on the executive branch to enforce its decisions, highlighting the interdependence of government branches.

Bureaucracy

Comprises executive agencies and departments responsible for implementing federal laws and regulations, playing a critical role in governance.

Rulemaking

The process by which bureaucratic agencies create regulations that have the force of law, ensuring compliance with legislative intent.

Discretionary Authority

Agencies have the power to decide how to implement laws, allowing for flexibility in administration.

Independent Agencies vs. Cabinet Departments

Independent agencies (e.g., EPA, NASA) operate outside of cabinet departments, focusing on specialized tasks, while cabinet departments are major executive agencies led by secretaries.

Appropriations

Congressional decisions that determine federal spending, reflecting legislative priorities and fiscal policy.

Budget Proposal

The president's recommended spending plan, which Congress can accept, modify, or reject, illustrating the dynamic between the executive and legislative branches.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) with distinct powers to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch to limit the powers of the others, ensuring accountability and preventing abuse of power.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Affirmed the use of implied powers and established federal supremacy over state laws.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Allowed federal courts to intervene in redistricting cases, addressing issues of representation.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Declared racial gerrymandering unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause, reinforcing fair representation principles.