AP U.S. Government & Politics Review

Flashcards for key vocabulary and concepts in AP U.S. Government & Politics.

Social contract

An agreement where individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for government protection.

Natural rights (Locke)

Rights inherent to all humans, such as life, liberty, and property.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic under which the people hold popular sovereignty.

Federalism

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

Separation of powers

The division of governmental power among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Checks and balances

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

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring the American colonies independent from Great Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak central government.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, establishing a stronger federal structure.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison arguing for the benefits of a large republic in controlling factions.

Brutus No. 1

An Anti-Federalist essay expressing fears of a strong central government.

Bicameral

A legislature consisting of two chambers or houses.

Judicial review

The power of the judiciary to declare laws or actions of the executive and legislative branches unconstitutional; established in Marbury v. Madison.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protecting individual freedoms.

Selective Incorporation

The process of applying the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political attitudes and beliefs.

Public Opinion Polling

Surveys conducted to measure public attitudes toward issues and candidates.

Electoral College

A body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.

Political Parties

Organized groups that nominate candidates and contest elections in order to influence government policy.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy.

Media

Sources of information and news that shape public opinion.

Fiscal Policy

Government policy regarding taxation and spending.

Monetary Policy

Government policy that controls the supply of money and credit.

Marbury v. Madison

Established the principle of judicial review.

Engel v. Vitale

Ruled that school-sponsored prayer is unconstitutional.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Protected students' symbolic speech in schools.

Schenck v. U.S.

Established the 'clear and present danger' test for restricting speech.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Guaranteed the right to an attorney for all defendants.

Roe v. Wade

Established a woman's right to an abortion based on privacy.

Brown v. Board of Education

Ruled that segregation in schools is unconstitutional.