AP GOV UNIT 3 VOCAB

Liberty

The freedom to think, speak, and act as one chooses, as long as it does not harm others.

Republic

A form of government where people elect representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf.

Direct Democracy

Citizens vote directly on laws and policies.

Representative (Indirect) Democracy

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution (ratified in 1781) that created a weak central/national government with most power held by the states (unable to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws effectively)

Natural Rights

Basic rights all people are born with that cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and property. (John Locke)

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches so no one branch has too much power. (Montesquieu)

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches to prevent abuse. (Montesquieu)

What does the Legislative Branch do?

Make laws (Congress)

What does the Executive Branch do?

Enforce laws (President)

What does the Judicial Branch do?

Interpret laws (Supreme Court and Federal courts)

Federalism

A system of government in which power is shared between the national government and state governments.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that protect individual freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process.

States’ Rights

The political powers and rights granted to individual states rather than the federal government.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone, including leaders, must follow the law.

Autocracy

A system of government where one person holds absolute power.

Monarchy

A government ruled by a king or queen, usually inheriting power through family lineage.

Oligarchy

A government ruled by a small, powerful group of people, often wealthy elites or military leaders.

Revolution

A sudden and major change in government, often involving violence or overthrow of authority.

Marxism

A political and economic theory arguing that society is divided by class struggle and that resources should be collectively owned to eliminate inequality.

Nation

A group of people who share a common identity, culture, history, or language, often living within the same territory.

Tyranny

Cruel and oppressive rule by a government or ruler that abuses power.

Federalist

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution who favored a strong national government.

Anti-Federalist

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government and demanded protections for individual rights.

Framers

The leaders who helped write and design the U.S. Constitution, including figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.

Authority

The right to rule or govern.

Divine Right

The belief that a ruler’s power comes from God.

Consent of the Governed

The idea that government gets its power from the people.

Will of the Majority

The belief that decisions should be based on what most people want.

Capitalism/Free Market

An economic system where businesses and property are privately owned, and prices are set by supply and demand with little government interference.

Communism/Command Economy

An economic system where the government owns and controls land, businesses, and resources, and decides what is produced and how it is distributed.

Socialism

An economic system where major industries or services are owned or regulated by the government to promote economic equality.

Mixed Economy

An economic system that combines elements of capitalism and socialism, using both private ownership and government regulation.

Taxation

Money collected by the government from individuals and businesses to fund public services like schools, roads, and defense.

Private Property

Property owned by individuals or private businesses, not the government.

Public Property

Property owned and maintained by the government for public use (such as parks, roads, and libraries).

Property Rights

Legal rights that allow individuals to own, use, sell, or transfer property, protected by law.