American Government Final Exam Review

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from American Government lectures.

Government

The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

Politics

The competition for power that determines who controls government.

Sovereignty

The ultimate authority of a state to govern itself without outside interference.

Social Contract

An agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain rules for mutual protection and security.

Divine Right

The belief that rulers are given their authority by God.

Autocracy

A system of government in which one person possesses unlimited power.

Democracy

Government by the people, typically through elected representatives and majority rule.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, taking precedence over all other laws.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch the ability to limit the others.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties and limiting government power.

Gerrymandering

The practice of redrawing electoral district boundaries to benefit a particular political party.

Impeachment

A formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, which may result in their removal from office.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting held in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates drafted the Constitution.

Majority Rule

A principle of democracy where the preferences of more than half the population are reflected in policies.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution, which elects the President and Vice President.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

Lawsuits

Legal disputes brought before a court of law.

Civil Rights

The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment under the law, addressing issues like discrimination.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation.