AP Government and Politics Exam Review

These flashcards cover key legal concepts, court cases, and significant amendments relevant to AP Government and Politics.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare unconstitutional acts of the legislature and orders of the President.

Free Exercise Clause

First Amendment clause that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion without government interference.

Establishment Clause

First Amendment clause that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Section of the Constitution allowing Congress to pass laws it deems necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

Constitutional provision granting Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the states.

Equal Protection Clause

14th Amendment clause requiring states to provide equal protection under the law to all persons.

Due Process Clause

Clause in the 14th Amendment that prohibits states from denying any person life, liberty, or property without legal proceedings.

Right to Counsel Clause

6th Amendment provision that guarantees a defendant the right to an attorney.

Amicus Curiae Brief

A document filed by someone who is not a party to a case, offering information or arguments relevant to the case.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Baker v. Carr

Supreme Court case that ruled legislative redistricting issues can be reviewed by federal courts, establishing the principle of 'one person, one vote'.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

Roe v. Wade

Supreme Court decision that recognized a woman's right to choose to have an abortion under the right to privacy.

Brown v. Board of Education

Supreme Court decision that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.

Engel v. Vitale

Supreme Court case that ruled it unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court case that established the principle of national supremacy and validated the implied powers of Congress.

Citizens United v. FEC

Supreme Court case that ruled that political spending by corporations and unions is protected by the First Amendment as free speech.