AP GOV

Democracy

A system where citizens have the power to elect representatives and influence government policies through voting and civic engagement.

Pluralist Theory of Democracy

The theory supporting that interest groups compete to influence policy decisions in their favor, exemplified by groups like the NRA and the Sierra Club.

Elite Theory of Democracy

The idea that wealthy individuals and corporate leaders wield significant governmental power, often funding campaigns and lobbying policymakers.

Participatory Democracy

A democratic approach that emphasizes direct engagement of citizens in political decisions through means like town hall meetings and grassroots activism.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Checks and Balances

A principle under which the president's ability to veto legislation serves to ensure that no single government branch dominates the others.

Natural Rights

Rights that individuals are born with, including life, liberty, and property, which governments must protect, as argued by philosopher John Locke.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle asserting that a government's power derives from the consent of the governed, highlighted in the Declaration of Independence.

Federalism

The division of powers between national and state governments, as seen in states controlling education while the national government oversees defense.

Enumerated powers

Specific powers explicitly granted to Congress by the U.S. Constitution, such as the ability to coin money and regulate interstate commerce.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but deemed necessary and proper for carrying out governmental functions, exemplified by the establishment of the First Bank of the U.S.

Dual Federalism

A system that allowed state governments to regulate local economic policies while the federal government focused on national defense and foreign affairs.

Cooperative Federalism

A collaborative approach where national and state governments work together, notably during the New Deal era to implement social welfare programs.

Constitutional Republic

A form of government in which elected representatives govern according to laws outlined in the Constitution, thus protecting individual rights.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A legal order requiring authorities to present a valid reason for detaining an individual, protecting against unlawful imprisonment.

Bill of Attainder

A legislative act that declares a person guilty of a crime and punishes them without a fair trial, which the Constitution prohibits.

Ex post facto laws

Laws that punish individuals for acts that were legal before the law was enacted, which are deemed unconstitutional.