AP Gov Notes

Voting Age

Eligibility to vote set at 18 years for American citizens.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment

Adopted in 1971, it lowered the voting age to 18 years.

Mercantilism

British economic policy maximizing exports and minimizing imports that led to colonial resentment.

Stamp Act

1765 law requiring stamps on paper products, provoking protests for 'no taxation without representation.'

Boston Massacre

1770 incident where British soldiers killed five colonists, becoming a rallying point for revolution.

First Continental Congress

1774 assembly of delegates from twelve colonies to address grievances against Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, adopted in 1781, establishing a loose confederation of states.

Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Federalism

A system of government that divides power between a central authority and regional entities.

Bill of Rights

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

Federalist Papers

Essays written to support the ratification of the Constitution and counter Anti-Federalist arguments.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

Checks and Balances

A mechanism to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

Ratification Process

The method by which the Constitution was approved by nine of the thirteen states.

Shays’ Rebellion

1786 uprising that revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Olive Branch Petition

A last attempt to avoid war by appealing to King George III, which was rejected.

Informal Amendments

Changes to the Constitution's interpretation through judicial decisions and social changes.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a strong national government with representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal advocating for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement counting three-fifths of slave population for representation and taxation.