AP Government (1-5)

Specific terms for each unit

Unit 1

Foundations of American Democracy

Social Contract

An agreement in which individuals give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection of their natural rights, forming the basis of legitimate government authority

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government power comes from the consent of the governed, typically expressed through voting and political participation

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights all people are born with (life, liberty, property), which governments are created to protect

Republicanism

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, promoting accountability and majority rule

Federalism

The constitutional division of power between national and state governments, allowing both levels to exercise authority over citizens

Limited Government

The idea that government powers are restricted by the Constitution and laws to protect individual liberties

Factions

Groups of individuals with shared interests that may act against the common good, discussed in Federalist No. 10

John Locke

Enlightenment philosopher who argued people have natural rights and the right to overthrow governments that violate those rights

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who believed a strong central authority is necessary to prevent chaos in society

Declaration of Independence

A foundational document that justified independence by listing grievances and asserting natural rights and popular sovereignty

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government with a weak central authority (executive and judicial), lacking power to tax or regulate commerce, leading to inefficiency

Federalist Papers

A series of essays supporting Constitution ratification and explaining the structure and purpose of government

Article 1

Establishes the legislative branch (Congress) and outlines its powers such as taxation, lawmaking, and regulating commerce

Article 2

Establishes the executive branch, detailing presidential powers like enforcing laws, commanding the military, and making treaties

Article 3

Establishes the judicial branch and outlines the structure and powers of federal courts

Article 4

Defines relationships between states, including full faith and credit and privileges and immunities

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches to prevent concentration of power

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch has powers to limit the actions of the other branches, preventing tyranny

Participatory Democracy

A system where citizens directly engage in decision-making through referendums or initiatives

Pluralist Democracy

A system where multiple interest groups compete to influence government policy

Elitist Democracy

A theory that political power is concentrated among a small, wealthy, or educated group

Direct Democracy

A form of government where citizens vote directly on laws and policies rather than through representatives

Shays’ Rebellion

An uprising that exposed weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger government

Electoral College

A system where electors chosen by states formally elect the president, balancing population and state interests

Virginia Plan

Proposed representation in Congress based on population, favoring larger states

New Jersey Plan

Proposed equal representation for all states, favoring smaller states

Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate

3/5 Compromise

Counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation

Amendment Process

A two-step process requiring proposal (2/3 of Congress or states) and ratification (3/4 of states)

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong national government

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared strong federal power and demanded a Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments guaranteeing fundamental civil liberties and limiting government power

Unit 2

Interactions Among Branches

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution, primarily in Article I, Section 8, such as taxing and declaring war

Implied Powers

Powers not directly stated but necessary to carry out enumerated powers, justified by the Necessary and Proper Clause

Reserved Powers

Powers not given to the federal government that are reserved to the states under the 10th Amendment

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxation and law enforcement

Bicameralism

The structure of Congress with two chambers (House and Senate), ensuring representation of both population and states

Filibuster

A Senate tactic of extended debate used to delay or block legislation

Cloture

A procedure requiring 3/5 of the Senate to end a filibuster and proceed to a vote

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of district boundaries to favor a political party or group

Gridlock

A situation where political divisions prevent government from passing laws or taking action

Veto

The president’s formal power to reject legislation passed by Congress

Executive Order

A directive issued by the president to manage operations of the federal government without congressional approval

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison

Judicial Activism

Judicial philosophy where courts take an active role in interpreting the Constitution and may strike down laws

Judicial Restraint

Judicial philosophy emphasizing limited court intervention and respect for precedent and legislative decisions

Precedent

Previous court decisions that guide future rulings to ensure consistency

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of following precedent to maintain stability in the law

Unit 3

Civil Liberties & Civil Rights

Civil Liberties

Basic freedoms protected from government interference, such as speech and religion

Civil Rights

Protections against discrimination by government or individuals based on characteristics like race or gender

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Federal law prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations and employment

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Law that banned racial discrimination in voting and enforced the 15th Amendment

Establishment Clause

Prevents the government from establishing or favoring a religion

Free Exercise Clause

Protects individuals’ right to practice their religion freely

Clear and Present Danger

A legal standard allowing speech to be restricted if it poses a serious threat

Prior Restraint

Government censorship of speech or publication before it occurs, generally unconstitutional

Exclusionary Rule

Prevents illegally obtained evidence from being used in court

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court applies Bill of Rights protections to states through the 14th Amendment

Due Process

Guarantees fair legal procedures before the government can deprive someone of life, liberty, or property

Affirmative Action

Policies aimed at addressing past discrimination by increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups

Unit 4

Political Ideologies & Beliefs

Individualism

The belief that individuals are responsible for their own success and that government intervention should be limited

Free Market

An economic system where supply and demand determine prices with minimal government involvement

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals develop political beliefs, influenced by family, education, and media

Fiscal Policy

Government decisions about taxation and spending used to influence the economy

Monetary Policy

Control of the money supply and interest rates by the Federal Reserve to manage economic stability

Keynesian Economics

The idea that government should increase spending or cut taxes to stimulate the economy during downturns

Supply-Side Economics

The belief that lowering taxes and reducing regulation will encourage production and economic growth

Unit 5

Political Participation

Primary Election

An election where political parties select their candidates for the general election

General Election

The election where voters choose among candidates for public office

Political Efficacy

The belief that one’s participation in politics can influence government outcomes

Lobbying

The act of influencing government officials to support specific policies or legislation

PAC

Political Action Committee that raises and donates limited funds directly to candidates

Super PAC

Independent organization that can raise unlimited funds but cannot directly coordinate with candidates

Hard Money

Regulated contributions given directly to candidates or parties

Soft Money

Unregulated funds spent by organizations on political activities not directly tied to candidates