AP Government Semester 1 Vocab

Social Contract

Definition - A theory that individuals give up certain freedoms and submit to authority in exchange for protection and social order

Application - The concept is fundamental in shaping the legitimacy of government authority in the US

Federalism

Definition - A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and consituent political unit (like states).

Application - In the US, federalism is a defining principle, allowing states to retain significant powers while the federal government national concerns.

Federalist 10

Definition - An essay written by James Madison arguing that a large republic can best control factions and prevent tyranny.

Application - It is cited as a key argument in favor of the Constitution, emphasizing the need for a large government to manage diverse interests

Federalist 51

Definition - An essay by James Madison explaining how the structure of government must provide the proper checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Application - It outlines the separation of powers integral to the US political system and justifies mechanisms like bicameralism.

Bill of Rights

Definition - The first ten amendments to the US Constitution that guarantee individual freedoms and rights

Application - These amendments protect citizens’ rights against government infringement, establishing fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech and religion

24th Amendment

Definition - An amendment that prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections

Application - This amendment was significant in the Civil Rights Movement, ensuring that voting is not restricted due to economic barriers

25th Amendment

Definition - An amendmnet that clarifies the presidential line of succession and procedures for presidential disability

Application - This amendment is invoked in situations where a president is unable to fulfill duties, such as the temporary transfer of power during medical procedures

McCulloch v. Maryland

Definition - A landmark Supreme Court case that established the supremacy for federal over state law and upheld the implied power of Congress

Application - The ruling confirmed the federal governmnet’s ability to establish a national bank, reinforcing the elastic clause

Lopez v. US

Definition - A supreme Court case that limited Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause

Application - The Court ruled that possession of a firearm in a school zone did not substantially affect interstate commerce, thus affirming states’ rights

Citizens United v FEC

Definition - A supreme Court decision that ruled political spending is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment

Application - This case led to the rise of super PACs, significantly affecting campaign finance and political advertising

Commerce Clause

Definition - A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states

Application - It has been interpreted broadly to justify a wide range of federal regulations affecting the economy

Supremacy Clause

Definition - A clause in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state laws

Application - It ensures that states cannot make laws that contradict federal legislation, maintaining a cohesive legal system

Categorical Grant

Definition - A type of federal grant that can only be used for a specific purpose

Application - States often receive categorical grants for specific programs, such as education or transportation, tying federal funding to compliance with national standards

Pocket Veto

Definition - A special type of veto where the president does not sign a bill into law within ten days, and Congress adjourns during that time

Application - This allows the president to effectively veto legislation without taking a direct public stance

Political Efficacy

Definition - The belief that one’s actions can influence political processes

Application - High political efficacy encourages voter participation and civic engagement, vital for a functional democracy

Electoral college

Definition - The body established by the Constitution that elects the president and vice president of the United States

Application - It reflects a compromise between electing the president by a vote in Congress and by popular vote, significantly affecting campaign strategies and outcomes

Iron Triangle

Definition - A stable, mutually beneficial relationship among an interest group, congressional committee, and a bureaucratic agency

Application - These relationships often shape policy outcomes in areas like defense, agriculture, and health care by promoting specific interests

Linkage Institutions

Definition - Structures within a society that connect people to the government, such as political parties or interest groups

Application - Fosters citizen engagement, mobilizes voters to advocate for specific issues, shapes the political landscape in American Government

Enumerated Powers

Definition - Specific powers granted to the federal government by the US constitution

Application - Used by congress to legislate and execute policies, used as a framework for federal actions.

Supply-side economics

Definition - An economic theory that emphasizes boosting economic growth by increasing the supply of goods and services, often through tax cuts, dergulation, and investment incentives

Application - Influences fiscal policies in American government, supports the idea that benefits to businesses and wealthy individuals with eventually trickle down to the broader population.