AP United States Government and Politics Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on key terms from AP United States Government and Politics lecture notes.

Limited Government

A political system in which legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers.

Natural Rights

Rights that individuals have under natural law; often associated with life, liberty, and property.

John Locke

A philosopher who argued for natural rights and the social contract as a basis for government.

Social Contract

The theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a government that enforces laws.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

The ‘Grand Committee’

A group of delegates at the Constitutional Convention that worked on the final draft of the U.S. Constitution.

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak national government.

Preamble

The introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution outlining its purpose.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States that outlines the framework of government.

Representative Democracy

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy that emphasizes broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems.

Pluralist Democracy

A democracy where multiple groups compete to influence policymakers.

Elite Democracy

A model of democracy in which a small number of people, typically the wealthy and well-educated, hold power.

Federalist #10

An essay by James Madison arguing the dangers of factions and how to control them in a republic.

Brutus #1

An anti-Federalist paper arguing against the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalists

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

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution who favored stronger state governments.

Central Government

The national government in a federal system, such as that of the United States.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states; kept for the states.

Republic

A form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern of the rulers.

Factions

Groups of citizens with interests contrary to the rights of others or the interests of the whole community.

Shay’s Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a bicameral legislative branch with representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

An agreement that established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the lower house and equal representation in the upper house.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted three out of every five slaves for representation and taxation purposes.

Slave Trade Compromise

A provision that allowed the importation of slaves to continue until 1808.

Ex post facto law

A law that makes an act illegal retroactively.

Bill of attainder

Legislation that punishes an individual or group without a trial.

Electoral College

The body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President.

Article IV

Section of the Constitution that deals with the states' powers and limits.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

A clause requiring states to recognize the official documents and judgments of other states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

A clause that prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Amendment Process

The procedure by which the Constitution may be altered or added to.

Article V

The section of the Constitution that outlines the process for amendments.

Article VI

The section that establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Article VII

The section that outlines the ratification process of the Constitution.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution or an amendment by the states.

Checks and Balances

System of government that ensures no one branch becomes too powerful.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Federalist #51

An essay by James Madison that outlines the need for checks and balances in government.

Tyranny of the majority

A scenario where the majority uses its numerical strength to oppress the minority.

Multiple policy access points

The idea that there are numerous points where citizens can influence the policies of government.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

Exclusive powers

Powers that are reserved for only one branch of government or level of governance.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments.

Federal Balance of Power

The distribution of power between the federal government and the states.

Dual Federalism

A form of federalism where power is divided between federal and state governments in clearly defined terms.

“Layer Cake” Federalism

A metaphor for dual federalism with distinct separation of responsibilities.

Cooperative Federalism

A model of federalism where federal, state, and local governments work together to solve problems.

“Marble Cake” Federalism

A metaphor for cooperative federalism where responsibilities and powers are mixed.

Fiscal Federalism

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system.

Grants

Funds provided by the federal government to state or local governments for specific purposes.

Incentives

Benefits offered to encourage certain behaviors in government policies.

Conditions-of-aid

Terms set by the federal government that states must meet if they are to receive certain funds.

Revenue Sharing

The distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments.

Mandates

Requirements that states must follow, often with or without funding.

Clean Air Act (1970)

A federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level.

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for a specific purpose or category.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to state or local governments for general purposes.

Tenth Amendment

The amendment that stipulates powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.

Commerce Clause

The clause that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Indian tribes.

Necessary and Proper Clause

The clause that allows Congress to make laws that are necessary to carry out its powers.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but necessary for the government to function.

Inherent Powers

Powers inherent to the national government simply by virtue of being sovereign.

State Sovereignty

The principle that states have the ultimate authority within their boundaries.

Supreme Court of the United States

The highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States.

Statute

A written law passed by a legislative body.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A Supreme Court case that established the principle of federal supremacy over state law.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

A Supreme Court case that limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

Focuses on the relationships and powers among the three branches of government.

Institutions of Government

The structures and organizations within the government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Article I

Section of the Constitution that establishes the Legislative Branch.

Bicameral

Having two branches or chambers, as in a bicameral legislature.

Constituency

The body of voters or supporters in a specified area.

Coalition-building

The process of aligning different parties or groups for a common purpose.

Revenue

The income generated from taxes and other sources.

Congressional Committee

Sub-group within Congress that handles specific duties.

Standing Committee

A permanent committee that meets regularly.

Select Committee

A temporary committee formed for a specific purpose.

Conference Committee

A committee formed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.

Joint Committee

Committee composed of members from both the House and the Senate.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

President of the Senate

The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate.

President Pro Tempore

An officer of the Senate chosen to preside in the absence of the Vice President.

Majority Leader

The party leader that commands the majority in either the House or Senate.

Minority Leader

The party leader that commands the minority in either the House or Senate.

Majority Whip

A party member who helps to coordinate the majority's agenda.

Minority Whip

A party member who helps to coordinate the minority's agenda.

Committee Chairperson

The leader of a committee responsible for directing its activities.

Filibuster

A tactic for delaying or blocking legislation by speaking for an extended period.

Cloture

A procedure used to end a filibuster.

Quorum

The minimum number of members required to conduct business.

Hold

A procedural practice in the Senate where a senator can delay a vote.

Unanimous consent

An agreement by every senator to allow a bill to be considered without a formal vote.

Rules Committee

The committee responsible for determining the rules of debate for bills.

Committee of the Whole

A committee that includes all members of the House.