AP Gov Unit 1

Limited Government

Limited Government

A political system where the powers of the government are restricted by law, usually in a written constitution, to protect individual freedoms and rights.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals; often referenced as 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,' requiring government protection.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically expressed through voting.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered on the belief that citizens can determine their government through elected representatives and laws prioritizing the common good.

Social Contract

A theory positing that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms to authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy where citizens have the direct power to affect legislation and policies, encouraging widespread engagement.

Pluralist Democracy

A form of democracy recognizing the diversity of interests and views in society, emphasizing group participation in decision-making.

Elite Democracy

A theory of democracy where a small number of elites hold power and influence, often prioritizing their interests over the majority's.

Factions

Groups united by a common interest; in a democratic context, factions can lead to political strife and influence governance.

Federalist

Supporters of the proposed Constitution during the ratification debate, advocating for a strong national government.

Anti-Federalist

Opponents of the proposed Constitution, arguing for states' rights and fearing strong national government would threaten individual liberties.

Centralized Government

A government structure where most or all authority is held by a single central authority, limiting local government powers.

Decentralized Government

Distribution of power away from a central authority to local or regional authorities, promoting local governance.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, establishing a league of friendship among the states, failing due to weak central government.

Shay’s Rebellion

An uprising in 1786 led by Daniel Shays, protesting economic injustices and the government's failure to address issues facing veterans and farmers.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution or an amendment, requiring consent by a specified number of states.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, balancing the interests of large and small states.

3/5th Compromise

An agreement to count three out of every five enslaved individuals for representation and taxation, reflecting the contentious issue of slavery.

Compromise on the Importation of Slavery

An agreement allowing the continuing importation of enslaved individuals until 1808, reflecting tensions around slavery in the new nation.

Amendment Process

The formal procedure through which the Constitution can be changed, requiring significant support from Congress and the states.

Checks and Balances

A system in the Constitution ensuring no single branch of government becomes too powerful, providing mechanisms to limit the others.

Separation of Powers

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

Impeachment

A constitutional process through which a sitting president or other federal officials can be removed from office for misconduct.

Exclusive Powers

Powers specifically granted to one level of government, such as the federal government having the exclusive right to declare war.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as the power to tax.

Grants

Funds given by the federal government to state governments for specific purposes.

Incentives

Benefits offered by the government to encourage specific actions or behaviors among individuals or organizations.

Aid

Assistance, often financial, provided by one level of government to another, or from the government to individuals or organizations.

Revenue Sharing

A policy where federal funds are distributed to state and local governments to support their budgets.

Mandates

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments to comply with certain laws or regulations.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds given to state or local governments for specific programs or projects.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states for broad purposes, allowing more discretion in how the funds are used.

10th Amendment

A constitutional provision stating that powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved for the states or the people.

14th Amendment

A constitutional amendment granting citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, often cited in civil rights cases.

Commerce Clause

A provision in the Constitution granting Congress the power to regulate commerce among states and with foreign nations.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A clause allowing Congress to pass any laws deemed necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.

Enumerated Powers

Explicitly listed powers granted to Congress in the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred from the enumerated powers, allowing for flexibility in governance.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of federal supremacy over state laws and confirmed implied powers of Congress.

United States v. Lopez

A Supreme Court case that curtailed Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, emphasizing limits on federal authority.

State Sovereignty

The concept that states have the right to govern themselves independent of the federal government, often highlighted in arguments against federal mandates.