AP US Government Cram Study Guide

AP US Government & Politics. Units 1-5 Cram Study Guide

Unitary Government

A system where all power is held by the central government, with little or no power assigned to local governments.

Confederate Government

A system where power is decentralized, and member states maintain the majority of authority, often leaving the confederation at will.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy where people vote directly on laws and policies.

Initiative

A process that allows citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments through petitions.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of laws.

Participatory Government

A governmental system emphasizing widespread participation in politics and civil society.

Pluralistic Democracy

A democracy that recognizes a diversity of interests and groups in the policymaking process, allowing for competition among these groups.

Federalism

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

Checks and Balances

A principle of government under which separate branches are empowered to prevent actions by other branches and are induced to share power.

Expressed Powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

Supremacy Clause

A clause in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Nullification

The idea that states have the right to nullify or invalidate any federal law which they deem unconstitutional.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

A landmark case affirming that Congress has the sole power to regulate interstate commerce.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A Supreme Court case that established federal supremacy and confirmed the implied powers of Congress.

Block Grants

Federal funds provided to states for broad purposes, giving them flexibility in how to spend the funds.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to states with specific conditions or requirements attached.

Federal Grant

Monies given by the federal government to state or local governments for specific purposes.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from a central government to local or regional governments.

New Federalism

A political philosophy that seeks to return certain powers and responsibilities to the states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that allowed slaves to be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

How many members are in the House of Representatives?

435

How many senators are there in the U.S. Senate?

100 (2 per state)

What is the term length for a Representative?

2 years

What is the term length for a Senator?

6 years, with special appointment if they become Vice President

Who is the current Speaker of the House?

Mike Johnson

Who is the current Senate Majority Leader?

John Thune

Who is the current President of the Senate?

JD Vance

Which chamber of Congress is considered the 'upper house'?

Senate

What is the primary power of the Legislative branch?

To make laws and create public policy.

What amendment established the direct election of senators?

17th Amendment.

How are Representatives in the House of Representatives elected?

They are directly elected by the people based on population.

What is the purpose of the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Allows Congress to make laws necessary for carrying out its powers.

What are 'implied powers'?

Powers not expressly stated in the Constitution, allowing Congress to create laws in areas not explicitly mentioned.

What does the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) require?

Employers with 20 or more employees to offer health insurance plans that allow employees to continue coverage after job loss.

What are the non-legislative powers of the Senate?

Confirmation powers, such as confirming judicial nominations and ratifying treaties.

What is a filibuster?

A long speech to delay action and prevent a vote.

What does a cloture motion do?

Cuts off debate on a bill, requiring a supermajority of 60 votes to pass.

What is a discharge petition?

A mechanism for the majority of the House to force a bill out of committee.

What is a standing committee?

A permanent congressional committee that meets regularly.

What is 'gerrymandering'?

Drawing district boundaries to benefit a particular political party.

What is malapportionment?

Districts of very unequal size in terms of population.

What landmark case established the principle of judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803).

What does 'stare decisis' mean?

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

What can a president do to check the power of the Senate?

Nominate cabinet heads, judges, and ambassadors.

What is the purpose of the War Powers Resolution of 1973?

To limit the president's ability to wage war without congressional consent.

What does the term 'national debt' refer to?

The total amount the federal government owes.

How many justices must agree to hear a case in the Supreme Court?

At least 4 justices.

Who wrote Federalist No. 70 advocating for a unitary executive?

Alexander Hamilton.

What does the term 'politico' model of representation mean?

A representative who acts as both a delegate and a trustee depending on the situation.

What is discretionary spending?

Spending that must be authorized each year by Congress and the President.

Civil Rights

Actions pushed for, often by minorities, to avoid discrimination.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental freedoms that every person is entitled to, such as freedom of speech.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, passed by 1792, concerned with individual rights.

Barron v. Baltimore (1833)

Ruled that the Bill of Rights only restricts the federal government.

Engel v Vitale

Ruled that states are restricted by the 1st amendment regarding prayer in public schools.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Ruled that compelling Amish students to attend public school beyond 8th grade violates the free exercise clause.

14th Amendment

Selectively incorporates rights under state law, ensuring rights are added by amendment or judicial review.

Incorporation

The application of the Bill of Rights to state laws, limiting state power.

1st Amendment

Prohibits Congress from making laws that restrict freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, or petition.

2nd Amendment

Ensures the right of the people to keep and bear arms for a well-regulated militia.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishments.

Hate Speech

Speech that incites violence or prejudicial action against a particular group.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another.

Lemon Test

A three-part test to determine if a law violates the Establishment Clause.

Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)

Speech can be limited if it incites imminent illegal action.

New York Times Co. v. U.S. (1971)

Rejects prior restraint; protects press even during national security concerns.

Gideon v Wainwright (1963)

Incorporated the right to counsel, requiring states to provide attorneys for those who cannot afford one.

Miranda Rule (1966)

Suspects must be informed of their rights before any interrogation.

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

Established a right to privacy through the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 14th amendments.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Legalized abortion under the right to privacy.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Banned discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, or national origin in public accommodations.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Eliminated literacy tests and other discriminatory practices around voting.

Affirmative Action

Policies favoring those who tend to suffer from discrimination, particularly in education and employment.

Equal Protection Clause

Mandates that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws enforcing racial segregation.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Declared that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional.

Gitlow v. New York (1925)

Established that the rights of free speech and press are protected under the 14th amendment.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Political Ideology

A consistent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government.

Conservative

Favors traditional American values, respect for authority, law and order, and national defense.

Liberal

Progressive; favors an active government role in regulating the economy and promoting equality.

Libertarian

Favors very limited government, promoting individual freedom that should only be limited when it impedes on another person's rights.

Populist

Strives to appeal to ordinary people whose concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.

Social Issues

Topics that involve personal, cultural, or societal concerns affecting individuals and communities.

Economic Issues

Challenges and debates surrounding the economy, including taxation, unemployment, and government spending.

Individualism

The belief that individuals are responsible for their own well-being.

Equality of Opportunity

The idea that all people should have the same chances to achieve success; not about equal outcomes.

Free Enterprise

A market-based economy where individuals can buy, sell, and produce with some degree of regulation.

Political Socialization

The process by which people acquire their political beliefs and ideology.

Generational Effects

Different voting patterns and political beliefs based on the generation a person belongs to.

Public Opinion Polls

Surveys of a sample of citizens used to estimate the beliefs and feelings of the entire population.

Benchmark Polls

The first poll taken by a campaign, often used before a candidate announces candidacy.

Tracking Polls

Continuous polls that chart a candidate’s support over time.

Entrance and Exit Polls

Polls conducted before voters enter or after they leave polling places to predict election outcomes.

Sampling Error

A polling error that occurs due to using a sample of the population.

Margin of Error

The degree to which the results of a poll could vary due to chance variation.