AP gov 1.5-1.6 quiz study guide key terms only

The Great Compromise

Compromise that created a bicameral Congress: the House based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.

Bicameral

Having two chambers or houses, like the House of Representatives and Senate.

House of Representatives - how states get seats

Representation is based on each state's population, so larger states have more representatives.

Senate - how states get seats

Each state gets two senators, regardless of population.

Electoral College

The system in which states choose electors who formally vote for the president and vice president.

Three-fifths Compromise

Compromise that counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Importation of Slaves Ban

The Constitution prevented Congress from banning the importation of enslaved people until 1808.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual rights and liberties.

Article V

The part of the Constitution that explains the amendment process.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where delegates created the U.S. Constitution.

Virginia Plan

Plan that proposed representation in Congress based on population, favoring larger states.

New Jersey Plan

Plan that proposed equal representation for each state, favoring smaller states.

Ratification

Formal approval of the Constitution by the states.

Federalism

A system that divides power between the national government and state governments.

Amendment Process

The process of changing the Constitution, requiring proposal and ratification.

Modern Constitutional Debates

Debates about how the Constitution applies to modern issues, such as government surveillance after 9/11 and public education.

Checks and balances

A system in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches.

Separation of powers

The division of government power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Branches of government

The three branches are legislative, executive, and judicial.

Legislative - powers

Makes laws, controls taxation and spending, declares war, and has other powers listed mainly in Article I.

Executive - powers

Enforces laws, leads the executive departments, commands the military, and conducts foreign policy.

Judicial - powers

Interprets laws and the Constitution and resolves legal disputes.

Access points into the branches of government

Ways individuals and groups can influence government through the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Federalist No. 51

James Madison's essay explaining why separation of powers and checks and balances help prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.

Stakeholders

People or groups who are affected by or have an interest in a political issue or policy.

Interest groups

Organized groups that try to influence government policy.

Lobbying

Attempts by individuals or groups to influence government officials and public policy.

Advice and consent

The Senate's power to approve or reject certain presidential appointments and treaties.

Impeachment

The process in which the House charges a federal official with wrongdoing; the Senate then holds the trial.

Pocket veto

A presidential action that occurs when Congress adjourns during the 10-day period and the president does not sign a bill, causing it not to become law.

Veto

The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Two-thirds override

A two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate can override a presidential veto.

Emoluments

Payments, benefits, or financial advantages received from an office or position; the Constitution places restrictions on certain federal officeholders receiving them from states or foreign governments.