AP Gov review

A compilation of key vocabularies and essential concepts discussed in the US government lecture.

Federalist Number 10

Madison argues that political factions are evil but inevitable; control them through a large central government.

Federalist Number 51

Advocates for a strong central government with three branches, checks and balances, and separation of powers.

Federalist Number 70

Hamilton argues for a strong single executive from the executive branch.

Federalist Number 78

Calls for an independent judiciary.

Articles of Confederation

Characterized by a weak central government; unable to tax, control interstate commerce, or raise military forces.

Brutus Number 1

Opposition to ratification of the Constitution; anti-federalists demanded a Bill of Rights.

Social Contract Theory

Jefferson adopts John Locke's theory emphasizing inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property.

Direct Election

Method of electing representatives, contrasting popular vote and electoral vote.

Civil Disobedience

MLK Jr. argues that protest is justified against unjust laws.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes federal law as the supreme law of the land.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to declare acts of Congress or the president unconstitutional.

Fourteenth Amendment

Grants citizenship to freed slaves and includes the Due Process Clause.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from establishing a religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects individuals' rights to practice their religion.

Prior Restraint

Censorship imposed before publication, protected under the First Amendment.

Sixth Amendment

Entitles defendants charged with a felony to a free attorney.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to bear arms.

Interstate Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states.

Devolution

Restoration of traditional police powers to the states.

Right to Privacy

Derived from the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment; holds that laws segregation by race in public schools is unconstitutional.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating electoral district boundaries for political advantage.

Citizens United v. FEC

Protected campaign spending by corporations under the First Amendment.