AP Government and Politics

Natural Rights

Rights that individuals are born with and cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and property. These are fundamental to the social contract theory and influence the foundation of democratic governments.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered around the principles of representative government, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf and promote civic virtue. Power separated into three branches to limit corruption in the US

Limited Government

A political system in which the powers of government are restricted by law to protect individual rights and freedoms, ensuring that no one is above the law.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy that emphasizes broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems, encouraging citizens to engage actively in decision-making processes.

Pluralist Democracy

A political system where multiple groups, interests, and factions compete to influence policy, ensuring that no single entity dominates the political landscape.

Elite Democracy

A model of democracy where a small number of elite individuals hold significant power, making decisions that influence the broader population, often with limited input from average citizens.

Federalists

A political group that supported a strong central government and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, advocating for a system of checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

Annti Federalists

A political group that opposed a strong central government in favor of more power to the states, advocating for individual rights and liberties. They were instrumental in pushing for the Bill of Rights to protect citizens from potential government overreach.

Factions

Groups of individuals with shared interests that seek to influence public policy, often leading to conflict and competition within a democracy. May seek to take minority rights if given power.

Constitution

The foundational document that outlines the principles and framework of the United States government, establishing the structure, powers, and limitations of government. Divides into three branches, each with its own powers and responsibilities, ensuring a system of checks and balances.

stakeholders

Individuals or groups with an interest in the outcomes of public policy decisions, often influencing the political process through advocacy or lobbying. Can write in but representitives must submit bills

Advice and consent

The constitutional requirement that the Senate must approve certain presidential appointments and treaties, ensuring collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in governance.

veto

The constitutional power of the President to reject legislation passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

Judicial review

The power of the judiciary to review and invalidate legislation or executive actions that it finds to be unconstitutional, thus ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution. This power serves as a check on the legislative and executive branches, reinforcing the principle of separation of powers.

Freedom of Assembly

The right of people to gather peacefully for demonstrations, protests, or meetings, as protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Declaration of Independance

Lots of enligtenment ideas like natural rights, popular soveignty with consent of the governed were foundational principles that influenced its drafting, asserting the colonies' right to self-governance and independence from British rule.

Articles of Confederation

Lots of state power, no centralized state. Problems - only one federal branchm no power for fed, couldnt raise money. Exemplified by Shays Rebellion

Shay’s Rebellion

An uprising in 1786 by Massachusetts farmers, led by Daniel Shays, protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response to their financial difficulties. It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, federal government couldn’t do anything to stop it

Constitutional Convention

A gathering in 1787 where delegates from the thirteen states convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the drafting of the United States Constitution.

Great Compromise

A proposal that established a bicameral legislature, combining proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate, thereby balancing the interests of small and large states.

Virginia Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that recommended a strong national government with three branches and a bicameral legislature based on population, favoring larger states.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states, favoring small states.

Bicameral

Consisting of two houses or chambers, typically in a legislative context.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution that formalizes the election of the President and Vice President of the United States.

Three-fifths compromise

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that counted three out of every five slaves as part of the population for representation and taxation purposes.

Exclusive Powers

Those powers that are solely granted to the federal government, such as regulating interstate commerce and conducting foreign affairs.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution and are therefore reserved for the states, such as regulating intrastate commerce and overseeing local affairs.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments, such as the power to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relationship between federal and state governments, involving funding through grants and revenues for various programs.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to states for specific purposes, requiring compliance with certain regulations and guidelines.

Block Grants

Federal funds provided to states for broad purposes, allowing them more flexibility in how the funds are spent.

Mandates

Federal requirements imposed on states to ensure compliance with national standards, often without accompanying funding.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal mandates that require states to perform certain actions without receiving federal funding to cover the costs.

Patriot Act

A law enacted in response to the September 11 attacks, aimed at enhancing national security and expanding the government’s surveillance and law enforcement powers. Citizens said it violated the fourth amendment.

No Child left Behind Act

A federal law aimed at improving educational outcomes for all students by increasing accountability for schools and providing more flexibility in the use of federal education funds.

Tenth Amendment

The constitutional amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Commerce Clause

The section of the U.S. Constitution that grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states and with foreign nations, forming the basis for much of federal regulatory power. Allowed a large band of control for congress, denied under US v. Lopez

Necessary and Proper (Elastic) Clause

The constitutional provision that grants Congress the authority to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers granted by the Constitution. very vague and overarching

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but assumed to exist due to their necessity in executing the enumerated powers. Implied powers allow Congress and the federal government to carry out functions and regulations that support the Constitution's framework. use the elastic clause

President Pro Tempore

The senator appointed to act as chair of the Senate in the absence of the Vice President, typically the most senior member of the majority party.

Senate Majority Leader

The head of the majority party in the Senate, responsible for setting the legislative agenda and guiding party strategy. Most powerful

President of the Senate

VP, breaks ties

Standing Committees

are permanent committees in the House and Senate that focus on specific areas of legislation, such as finance, health, or education.

Joint Committees

are committees that include members from both the House and Senate, created to conduct investigations or special studies.

Select Committees

are temporary committees formed for specific purposes, often to investigate particular issues or to conduct oversight.

Conference Committees

are temporary committees created to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill before it becomes law.

House Rules Committee

is a committee of the House of Representatives that establishes rules and procedures for the consideration of legislation, including setting time limits for debate and determining the amendments allowed.

Committee of the Whole

is a committee that includes all members of the House of Representatives, allowing for more informal debate and the ability to consider amendments on a bill before it is voted on by the full House.

Discharge Petition

is a means by which a majority of House members can bring a bill out of committee and onto the House floor for a vote, circumventing the normal procedures.

Filibuster

is a tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislative action by extending debate on the floor, often by making lengthy speeches or using procedural maneuvers.

Cloture

is a procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote, requiring a minimum of 60 votes to invoke.

Unanimous Consent

is an agreement among all senators to set aside normal rules and procedures to expedite the legislative process, allowing for quicker passage of bills or resolutions. Limits unlimited debate

Pork barrel Spending

refers to the allocation of government funds for localized projects secured primarily to bring money to a representative's district. This type of spending is often criticized for prioritizing political gain over national interest.

Mandatory Spending

refers to expenditures that are required by law, such as Social Security, Medicare, and interest on the national debt, which must be funded each year.

Discretionary Spending

refers to spending that is not mandated by law and can be adjusted or eliminated in the annual budget process. It includes funding for programs like education, defense, and transportation.

Divided Government

occurs when one party controls the presidency while another party controls one or both houses of Congress, leading to potential gridlock in policymaking.

Trustee

a member of Congress who makes decisions based on their own judgment and the public good, rather than strictly adhering to constituents' wishes.

Delegate

Representitve who votes with the people nomatter what

Politico

a member of Congress who acts as both a delegate and a trustee, balancing the interests of constituents with their own judgment.

Gerrymandering

the practice of manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party over another, thereby affecting electoral outcomes.

Redistricting

the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect changes in population and ensure equal representation.

Policy Agenda

a set of issues or problems that presidents prioritize for discussion and action, influencing the legislative process.

Formal Powers of Executive

are the constitutional powers granted to the President of the United States, including the ability to veto legislation, appoint federal officials, and command the military.

Presidential Veto

is the president's constitutional authority to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law. This power is a key part of the checks and balances in the US government. Need 2/3 of both houses of Congress to override a veto.

Executive Informal Powers

are the powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution that allow the president to influence policy and governance, such as executive orders, executive agreements, and the ability to set the national agenda. EX: Threatening to veto

Pocket Veto

is a special type of veto that occurs when the president takes no action on a bill for ten days while Congress is adjourned, effectively preventing the bill from becoming law without an official veto.

President as Commander and Chief

is the role of the president as the supreme leader of the armed forces, responsible for military decisions and operations. This position grants the president the authority to direct military actions and utilize military force abroad.

Executive Agreements

are international agreements made by the president without Senate approval, used to handle foreign relations and facilitate cooperation with other nations.

Presidential Bargaining and Persuasion

A strategy used by the president to put a spotlight on legislation to swing public attention in favor of the proposed policies, influencing public opinion and gaining congressional support.

Presidential Executive Order

is a directive issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government, having the force of law without needing congressional approval.

Signing Statement

is a written comment issued by the president when signing a bill into law, which may outline their interpretation of the law or express concerns about specific provisions.

Presidential Cabinet

is a group of the president's top advisors, consisting of the heads of the executive departments and other key officials. They assist in decision-making and implementing federal policies.

Bully Pulpit

is a platform that allows the president to speak out publically on important issues and influence public opinion, using their position to promote agendas or rally support.

State of the Union Address

is an annual speech delivered by the president to a joint session of Congress, outlining the current conditions in the nation, proposing legislative goals, and informing the public about the administration's priorities.

US District Court

is a trial court in the federal judiciary system that has jurisdiction over federal cases, including those involving federal laws, constitutional issues, and diversity of citizenship.

Original Juristiction

refers to the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction where a higher court reviews the decision of a lower court.

US Circuit Court of Appeals

is a federal appellate court that reviews decisions made by the US District Courts and certain federal regulatory agencies, providing a check on lower court rulings.

Apellate Juristiction

refers to the power of a higher court to review and potentially overturn the decisions of lower courts, typically on the basis of legal errors that may have affected the verdict. Does not retry the case

Supreme Court Juristiction

Has both original and appellate Juristiction depending on the scenario

Precedents (Court)

are legal principles or rules established in previous court cases that are applied in subsequent cases to ensure consistency in the judicial system.

Stare Decisis

is the legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent. It ensures that courts follow previously established rulings to maintain stability and predictability in the law.

Judicial Activism

is the judicial philosophy that argues for the active role of the courts in interpreting the Constitution and laws, often to promote social change or protect individual rights.

Judicial Restraint

is the judicial philosophy that advocates for a limited role of the courts in interpreting the law, emphasizing that judges should defer to the decisions of the legislative and executive branches.

The US Bureaucracy

is the administrative system governing any large institution, including government. It consists of various departments and agencies that implement and administer public policies.

Cabinet Secretaries

Lead different departments. They are appointed by the president and help implement federal policies.

Agencies (Bureaucracy)

are entities within the bureaucratic system that carry out specific functions and services of the government, often focusing on specialized areas like education, health, or transportation.

Government Corporations

are businesses owned by the government that provide services to the public and operate like private companies, often generating revenue. EX: Amtrack

Delegated Discretionary Authority

is the ability given to bureaucratic agencies to make decisions within the framework of law, allowing them to exercise judgment and implement policies according to specific regulations.

Bureaucratic Commissions

are specialized agencies created by Congress to oversee and regulate specific functions, often with quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial responsibilities.

Compliance Monitoring

Set regulations and then enforce them, ensuring adherence to laws and policies by various entities.

Iron Triangle

is the stable, mutually beneficial relationship between Congress, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that influences policy making.

Power of the Purse

refers to the financial control that Congress has over government spending and appropriations, allowing it to influence policy and government programs.

patriotism

is the emotional attachment to one’s country, characterized by a sense of pride in national identity and a willingness to contribute to its well-being.

merit system

a system of hiring and promotion based on qualifications and performance, rather than political connections or favoritism.

Bill of Rights

is the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which guarantee essential civil rights and liberties to individuals, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

First Amendment

Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Pressand the Right to Peaceably Assemble and Petition the Government.

Establishment Clause

is part of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over another. Engel v. Vitale

Free Exercise Clause

is part of the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely without government interference, as long as their practices do not violate public morals or a compelling government interest. Wisconsin v. Yoder

Symbolic Speech

is a form of nonverbal communication that expresses ideas or opinions through actions, signs, or attire, protected under the First Amendment. Tinker v. Des Moines