AP GOV UNIT 1 VOCAB

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who demanded a Bill of Rights (e.g., Patrick Henry).

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two chambers, like the U.S. Congress (House and Senate).

Central Government

The national/federal government (e.g., regulates interstate commerce).

Checks and Balances

System where branches limit each other's power (e.g., veto override).

Commerce Clause

Congress's power to regulate interstate/foreign trade (e.g., Civil Rights Act).

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by federal/state governments (e.g., taxation).

Direct Democracy

Citizens vote directly on policies (e.g., California ballot initiatives).

Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to pass laws 'necessary and proper' (e.g., Federal Reserve).

Electoral College

Electors choose the president (e.g., Trump won in 2016 despite losing popular vote).

Enumerated Powers

Grants congress power to make laws to carry out its expressed power (e.g., declare war).

Exclusive Powers

Powers only the federal government holds (e.g., print currency).

Federalism

Power divided between national/state governments (e.g., marijuana legalization).

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution (e.g., Hamilton, Madison; wrote Federalist Papers).

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must recognize other states' laws (e.g., driver's licenses).

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

Created bicameral Congress (House + Senate).

Implied Powers

Powers inferred from the Elastic Clause (e.g., military draft).

Judicial Review

Court's power to strike down laws (e.g., Marbury v. Madison).

Limited Government

Government restricted by law (e.g., Bill of Rights).

Natural Rights

Inherent rights like life/liberty (e.g., Declaration of Independence).

Necessary and Proper Clause

Same as Elastic Clause.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed unicameral legislature with equal state representation (favored small states).

Popular Sovereignty

Government power comes from the people (e.g., ballot measures).

Privileges and Immunities Clause

States can't discriminate against non-residents (e.g., buying property).

Separation of Powers

Government divided into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial).

Shay's Rebellion

1786 uprising exposing Articles of Confederation weaknesses.

Social Contract

People consent to government for protection of rights (e.g., John Locke).

Supremacy Clause

Federal law overrides state law (e.g., federal vs. state marijuana laws).

Three-Fifths Compromise

Enslaved people counted as 3/5 of a person for representation.

Unicameral Legislature

One-chamber legislature (e.g., Nebraska).

Virginia Plan

Proposed population-based bicameral legislature (favored large states).