AP Government Vocabulary Review

A set of flashcards reviewing key vocabulary related to AP Government.

Bipartisan

Refers to an approach, decision, or policy that enjoys support or cooperation from members of the two major political parties.

Civil Liberties

Individual freedoms protected by law that safeguard citizens from government interference, such as freedom of speech and religion.

Civil Rights

Protections against discriminatory practices that ensure equal legal protection and opportunities for all citizens.

Commerce Clause

Found in the U.S. Constitution, it grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among states and countries.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared between the federal and state governments, such as the ability to tax and enforce laws.

Constituent Accountability

The principle that elected officials must answer to their voters through democratic mechanisms.

Delegate Model

A model of representation where legislators strictly act according to their constituents' wishes.

Due Process Clause

A clause guaranteeing fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.

Elite Democracy

A theory that suggests that a small group of privileged individuals exercises disproportionate influence over policy.

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Equal Protection Clause

A clause in the Fourteenth Amendment mandating that states ensure legal equality for all citizens.

Establishment Clause

A First Amendment clause prohibiting the government from favoring one religion over another.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that retroactively changes legal consequences for actions committed before its enactment.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President that manages operations within the federal government.

Executive Privilege

The right of the President to keep communications confidential, especially regarding national security.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

Filibuster

A procedural tactic in the Senate to delay or block legislative action through extended debate.

Free Exercise Clause

A provision in the First Amendment protecting an individual's right to practice their religion without interference.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

A clause requiring each state to respect the public acts and judicial proceedings of other states.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to gain a political advantage.

Horse Race Journalism

A political reporting style focusing on the competitive aspects of campaigns rather than policy issues.

Implied Powers

Powers inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause that enable Congress to implement its responsibilities.

Iron Triangle

The strong relationships among governmental agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups.

Judicial Activism

A judicial philosophy where judges interpret laws broadly, often impacting social policy.

Judicial Restraint

A concept urging judges to limit their power by adhering closely to the Constitution and legal precedents.

Judicial Review

The authority of courts to invalidate legislative or executive actions conflicting with the Constitution.

Linkage Institutions

Organizations that connect citizens to the government, such as political parties and media.

Lobbying

The process of trying to influence policy decisions made by public officials.

Logrolling

A legislative practice of exchanging support for each other’s proposals to pass legislation.

Miranda Rule

A requirement that law enforcement inform suspects of their rights before interrogation.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A constitutional clause granting Congress the authority to pass laws necessary for executing its powers.

Judicial Opinion

A formal explanation accompanying a judicial decision that establishes legal precedents.

Congressional Oversight

The process by which Congress monitors and reviews federal agencies and policies.

Participatory Democracy

A model where citizens are directly involved in decision-making processes beyond voting.

Party-Line Voting

Voting according to a political party's position rather than individual candidate assessment.

Pluralist Democracy

A theory that political power is distributed among diverse and competing interest groups.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that collects contributions to support political candidates and initiatives.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one’s political actions can influence government policies and outcomes.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire political beliefs and values throughout their lives.

Pork Barrel

Government spending for localized projects that primarily benefit a legislator’s district.

Power of the Purse

The constitutional authority of the legislative branch to control government spending and taxation.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries following a census.

Selective Incorporation

A judicial doctrine that applies portions of the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Split-Ticket Voting

Choosing candidates from different parties for different offices on the same ballot.

Stare Decisis

A legal principle emphasizing adherence to precedents established in prior court decisions.

Straight-Ticket Voting

Voting exclusively for candidates from one political party across all races on a ballot.

Strict Scrutiny

The highest level of judicial review for laws infringing on constitutional rights.

Supremacy Clause

A clause establishing that federal law takes precedence over state laws.

Winner-Take-All Method

An electoral system where the candidate with the majority wins all of a region's electoral votes.

Writ of Certiorari

An order issued by a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.