The Ultimate Guide to AP United States Government and Politics (copy)

Enlightenment

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

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who believed people need an absolute monarch for protection; introduced the idea of a social contract.

John Locke

Philosopher advocating for the protection of natural rights (life, liberty, property) and the right to revolution.

Charles de Montesquieu

Philosopher known for the concept of separation of powers in government.

Social Contract

An agreement where individuals sacrifice some freedoms for governmental protection.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Federalism

A system where national and state governments share powers.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that was ultimately replaced due to its weaknesses.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution that elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Civil Liberties

Basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, typically protected from governmental encroachment.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Public Opinion

The collective preferences and attitudes of individuals on significant issues.

Political Socialization

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

Interest Groups

Organized groups that seek to influence public policy in their favor.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that raise money privately to influence elections or legislation.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two separate chambers or houses.

Gerrymandering

The practice of manipulating district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation by prolonged speech or debate.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 meeting where the US Constitution was debated and drafted.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the US Constitution.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Eminent Domain

The right of a government to take private property for public use, with compensation.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights that are inherent to all individuals, including life, liberty, and property.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement that counted three-fifths of a state's enslaved population for representation in Congress.

Amendment Process

The method by which changes or additions to the Constitution can be made.

Bureaucracy

A system of administration characterized by specialization and a hierarchical structure.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

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

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at overcoming legal barriers preventing African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

Women’s Suffrage Movement

The movement to secure voting rights for women, culminating in the 19th Amendment.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act

Prohibits employment discrimination against persons 40 years of age or older.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Legislation that prohibits discrimination based on disability.