AP U.S. Government & Politics - Key Concepts

A collection of flashcards derived from AP U.S. Government & Politics lecture notes, covering essential concepts and definitions relevant for exam preparation.

Declaration of Independence

A document that emphasizes natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the social contract, serving as philosophical inspiration for American democracy.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights believed to belong to every person simply by virtue of being human.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A legal action that protects individuals from indefinite detention without trial.

Bill of Attainder

A law that declares a person guilty without a trial, which Congress is prohibited from passing.

Ex Post Facto Law

Laws that punish individuals for actions that were not illegal at the time they were committed; Congress cannot pass such laws.

Anti-federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who sought to maintain state sovereignty and demanded a Bill of Rights.

Brutus No. 1

A letter warning that the necessary and proper clause would expand congressional power and threaten state authority.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy in which citizens have direct access to political decision-making.

Federalism

The division of powers between national and state governments.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.

Commerce Clause

A clause that grants Congress the authority to regulate interstate commerce.

Elastic Clause

Also known as the necessary and proper clause, it allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution designed to protect individual liberties from government infringement.

Life Tenure for Judges

Judges serve for life to ensure independence from political pressures.

Iron Triangles

The stable, mutually beneficial relationships between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

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

Super PAC

An independent expenditure-only committee that can raise unlimited funds to advocate for or against political candidates.

Electoral College

A body of representatives from each state that formally elects the president and vice president of the United States.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections, which varies by election type.

Judicial Activism

A philosophy where judges interpret the Constitution in a way that reflects contemporary values and conditions.

Judicial Restraint

A philosophy that encourages judges to limit their own power and defer to the decisions made by legislative bodies.

Public Opinion Polls

Surveys conducted to gauge public sentiment and attitudes towards various political issues.

Active Citizenship

Engagement in the political process that often leads to greater public participation in governance.

Political Socialization

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

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Majoritarianism

A political theory that emphasizes the preference of the majority in decision-making.

Constituent Services

Assistance provided by elected officials to their constituents in navigating government services or issues.

Campaign Strategies

Tactics and methods used by political candidates to gain support and win elections.

Civic Engagement

Participation in activities that address issues of public concern, often leading to involvement in governance.

Interest Group

An organization of people with shared objectives who actively seek to influence policymaking.

Bureaucracy

The administrative system governing any large institution, particularly the functions of governmental agencies.