AP Government Study Guide Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on the provided AP Government study materials.

Social Contract

A contract between the government and the governed, where citizens give up some natural rights for protection and benefits.

Natural Rights

Basic rights granted to every person that cannot be taken away by the government; violated rights give people the right to revolt.

Popular Sovereignty

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

Republicanism

A form of government in which representation is limited, ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy where citizens have the power to decide on policies, and elected politicians implement those decisions.

Pluralist Democracy

A democracy where multiple groups compete for influence; no single group dominates policymaking.

Elite Democracy

A political model where decisions are made by a small group of wealthy and educated individuals.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak national government and significant independence for states.

Shay's Rebellion

A violent revolt led by farmers against government encroachments, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalism

The division of power between national, state, and local governments.

Checks and Balances

System that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful; each branch can limit the powers of the others.

Separation of Powers

The legislative, executive, and judicial powers of government are divided into distinct branches to prevent abuse.

Great Compromise

An agreement that created a bicameral legislature, combining the Virginia and New Jersey plans.

Electoral College

A body that elects the President and Vice President through electors from each state, based on congressional representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement counting each slave as three-fifths of a person for purposes of congressional representation.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not specifically listed in the Constitution but inferred from the enumerated powers.

Inherent Powers

Powers that naturally belong to an independent nation.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are reserved to the states, established by the 10th Amendment.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

Extradition

The process by which a state surrenders a fugitive to another state where they are wanted.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relationship between the national government and state governments, including grants and aid.

Grants-in-Aid

Federal money provided to states for specific projects that do not have to be repaid.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants for specific purposes defined by federal law.

Block Grants

Federal funds provided to states for broad purposes, allowing for more flexibility in implementation.

Mandates

Requirements that the federal government imposes on state and local governments.

Dual Federalism

A clear division of responsibilities among the levels of government, with distinct areas of power.

Cooperative Federalism

A mixed approach where national and state governments work together to solve problems.

New Federalism

A political philosophy that seeks to shift some powers from the federal government back to the states.

Commerce Clause

The clause in the Constitution giving Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Gives Congress the power to make all laws necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A Supreme Court case that established the federal government's implied powers and the supremacy of federal law over state law.

United States v. Lopez

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

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

Legislation aimed at reducing the burden of unfunded mandates on state and local governments.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

A federal program providing food assistance to low-income families.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

A program providing temporary economic assistance to eligible low-income families.

National Voter Registration Act

Legislation designed to increase voter registration among citizens.

Clean Air Act

A federal law designed to control air pollution and establish air quality standards.

Americans with Disabilities Act

A law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Brady Bill

Legislation requiring background checks for firearm purchases.

No Child Left Behind Act

An education reform law aimed at improving student outcomes through increased accountability.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically mentioned in the Constitution granted to Congress.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislative action.

Cloture

A procedure used to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.

Rules Committee

A committee in the House responsible for determining how and when bills will be debated.

Standing Committee

Permanent committees in Congress that focus on specific subject areas.

Conference Committee

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

Select Committee

A temporary congressional committee created for a specific purpose.

Joint Committee

A committee composed of members from both the House and the Senate.

Discretionary Spending

Government expenditures that must be approved by Congress each year.

Mandatory Spending

Government spending that is required by existing law.

Pork Barrel Legislation

Legislation that benefits a specific location or constituency.

Logrolling

The practice of exchanging favors, especially in politics.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to benefit a political party.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing district boundaries after a census.

Reapportionment

The redistribution of representatives among the states based on population.

Trustee Model

A model of representation where elected officials make decisions based on their judgment.

Delegate Model

A model of representation where elected officials act according to the wishes of their constituents.

Majority Opinion

The opinion held by more than half the members of a court.

Dissenting Opinion

An opinion written by one or more judges expressing disagreement with the majority opinion.

Concurring Opinion

An opinion that agrees with the majority opinion but for different reasons.

Writ of Certiorari

An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review.

Rule of Four

A principle that allows four Supreme Court justices to grant a writ of certiorari.

Civil Liberties

Limits put on the government to protect individual freedoms.

Civil Rights

Legal guarantees of equal citizenship and protections against discrimination.

First Amendment

Protects freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court applies the Bill of Rights to state laws.

Affirmative Action

Policies designed to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about politics and government.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.

Political Culture

The set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that shape the political behavior of a society.

Liberalism

A political ideology advocating for less government control over personal issues and more control over economic issues.

Conservatism

A political ideology advocating for more government control over personal issues and less control over economic issues.

Libertarianism

A political ideology emphasizing individual liberty and minimal government intervention.

Totalitarianism

A political ideology advocating for maximal government control over all aspects of public and private life.

Socialism

A political ideology advocating for government control of the means of production and distribution.

Laissez-Faire

An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in the economy.

Political Efficacy

The belief that an individual's actions can influence politics and government.

Tracking Polls

Polls that measure changes in public opinion over time.

Random Sampling

A method of polling that gives each individual an equal chance to be selected.

Quota Sampling

A polling method that selects a specific number of participants from certain demographic groups.

Public Opinion Poll

Surveys conducted to gauge public sentiment on various issues.

Push Polls

Polls designed to influence rather than measure public opinion.

Incumbency Advantage

The electoral advantage held by current elected officials.

Primaries and Caucuses

The processes through which parties select their candidates for the general election.

National Convention

A gathering held by each political party to nominate their presidential candidate.

General Election

The election in which voters elect officeholders.

Electoral College

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

Campaign Finance

The funding of political campaigns and related expenditures.

Hard Money

Campaign funds that are regulated and reported to the Federal Election Commission.

Soft Money

Unregulated funds for political campaigns that do not directly support a candidate.

Citizens United v. FEC

A Supreme Court case that ruled that corporations can spend unlimited money on political campaigns.

BCRA

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which amended campaign finance laws.

Watchdog Media

The role of the media in checking government abuses and holding officials accountable.

Gatekeeper

The media's role in defining which news stories are important and worthy of coverage.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

A law allowing the public to access records from federal agencies.

Equal Time Rule

A requirement that broadcasters provide equal opportunities for political candidates.