AP U.S. Government & Politics Unit 1 Foundations of Democracy Flashcards

This vocabulary deck covers the essential terms and key Supreme Court cases for Unit 1: Foundations of Democracy in AP U.S. Government & Politics.

Limited government

A basic idea that the power of the government is restricted by law, usually outlined in a constitution.

Natural rights

The basic rights that belong to every person from birth, including life, liberty, and property that cannot be taken away by the government.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the government's power comes from the consent of the people it governs.

Republicanism

A political belief that emphasizes a government with elected representatives who represent the people's interests.

Social contract

An agreement among individuals to give up some freedoms to the government in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Representative democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to create laws and make decisions on their behalf.

Participatory democracy

A type of democracy that focuses on broad participation and involvement from citizens in political activities.

Pluralist democracy

A theory of democracy that allows multiple groups to influence policy, ensuring no single group dominates the political process.

Elite democracy

A model where a small, wealthy, or educated group has the most influence over decision-making in politics.

US Constitution

The main document that outlines the structure and powers of the national government in the United States.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document announcing that the American colonies were free from British rule and listing their complaints against the king.

Federalist 10

An important essay by James Madison explaining how a large republic can help control the effects of factions or interest groups.

Brutus 1

An essay by an anti-federalist arguing against a strong central government and warning that it could threaten individual freedoms.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that created a weak national government with most powers held by the states.

Anti-federalist

People who opposed the ratification of the Constitution, preferring to maintain more power for the states instead of a strong federal government.

Federalist

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a stronger national government.

Democracy

A system of government where all eligible members can influence decisions, often through elected representatives.

Faction

A group within a larger organization or government that shares a common interest or political goal.

Shay's Rebellion

A revolt in 1786 by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

An agreement that created a two-house legislature, with representation based on population in one house and equal representation in the other.

Electoral College

A group that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States, representing the states.

3/5 Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention to count three-fifths of the enslaved population for representation and taxes.

Constitutional Convention

The gathering in 1787 where delegates met to improve the Articles of Confederation, which led to the creation of the US Constitution.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution or an amendment, making it valid and enforceable.

Separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Checks and balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the others, ensuring that power is balanced.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body charges a high-ranking government official with misconduct.

Concurrent powers

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

Categorical grants

Federal funds given to states for specific purposes or projects.

Block grants

Federal funding provided to states with fewer restrictions, allowing more flexibility in how the money is used.

Mandates

Requirements from the national government that states must follow, regardless of whether they receive federal funding.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, like states.

10th amendment

An amendment stating that powers not given to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved for the states or the people.

14th amendment

An amendment that grants citizenship to anyone born or naturalized in the US and ensures equal protection under the law.

Commerce clause

A provision in the Constitution that allows Congress to regulate trade between states and with foreign nations.

Necessary & proper clause

The clause that gives Congress the power to make laws necessary to carry out its duties as outlined in the Constitution.

Elastic clause

A constitutional clause allowing Congress to pass all laws deemed necessary and proper to execute its powers.

Enumerated powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are assumed to be necessary for the government to function.

Policymaking

The process of creating, implementing, and reviewing policies to address public issues.

McCulloch v Maryland

The 1819 Supreme Court case that upheld federal authority and the concept of implied powers of the government.

US v Lopez

A 1995 Supreme Court case ruling that Congress went too far under the commerce clause by trying to ban guns in school zones.