AP Government & Politics: Ultimate Study Guide

Enlightenment

An 18th-century philosophical movement emphasizing reason over tradition in solving social problems.

Social Contract

An agreement where individuals sacrifice certain freedoms for government protection.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who believed in absolute monarchy and that people cannot govern themselves.

Natural Rights

Rights granted by God that must be protected by government, including life, liberty, and property.

John Locke

Philosopher who argued for natural rights and the right to revolution if they are not protected.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches to prevent the concentration of power.

Checks and Balances

System that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful.

Participatory Democracy

A system where broad participation in politics is encouraged.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between the national and state governments.

The Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared centralized power and sought a Bill of Rights.

The Federalist Papers

A collection of articles supporting the Constitution and promoting a strong central government.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two chambers, e.g., the U.S. Congress (House and Senate).

Gerrymandering

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

The Electoral College

The body that formally elects the President of the United States, based on electoral votes from each state.

Impeachment

The process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct and removed from office.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation that aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans.

Affirmative Action

Policies that seek to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

Political Ideology

A coherent set of beliefs about politics and government.

Public Opinion Polls

Surveys that measure public attitudes towards various issues and candidates.

Interest Groups

Organizations that advocate for specific issues and influence public policy.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

Organizations that raise and spend money to elect or defeat political candidates.