AP Gov Vocab

A document applying Enlightenment Principles that provided a foundation for the American government. People with protected rights, not monarchs, were the source of government power.

A committee formed by the delegation deciding the Constitution to form compromises needed for all states to ratify the Constitution.

A famous political figure, best known for his work "The Leviathan". The document argued that the government is necessary to avoid war and anarchy. The government requires the people to forfeit some rights in order to live in a fair and orderly society.

A historical figure who was part of a committee to draft a document outlined by the colonists declaring independence from Britain. Jefferson was responsible for the planning of the document.

A governing body whose power exists within limits that are set by a constitution.

British philosopher who wrote the Second Treatise of Civil Government/Two Treatises of Government. Argued for natural law.

French philosopher who wrote the Spirit of the Laws. Repub. form of govt., defined + limited power and political liberty for citizens.

Law of god, people are born free and equal. "Nobody can be subjected to political power without consent".

A government derives its power from the consent of the people, mostly through elected representatives.

A collection of sovereign states gathered for the natural interest, needs, and defense.

Governing a nation where power is held by the people, and elective representatives.

Wrote the Social Contract. Agreement of free people to abandon some rights in order to be protected by society.

An improved version of the Articles of Confederation, establishes checks and balances among government branches, allocates power between federal and state government. Outlines the powers of government, rights of citizens.

Those that opposed the consolidation of states under a federal government.

A form of government in which elected officials/representatives make decisions for those who elect them.

Those who support the formation of a strong central government, and support the ratification of the Constitution.

Power given to people that allows them to place a measure on the ballot for popular vote.

Nongovernmental groups formed by people with shared political interests, that persuade policymakers on local/state/federal levels.

A form of govt. that which depends on the participation of many individuals on govt/public life, ie. voting.

People with widely varying interests find others who share interests, and organize into interest groups in which they persuade policymakers.

Allows citizens to contest the work of the legislature. If the legislature passes a law that is unpopular, the public can vote to defeat it.

A government in which people trust elected officials to represent their concerns.

Anti-federalist writing advocating for small, decentralized government. They warned against the formation of factions, and the abuse of power by the government.

A group consisting of powerful individuals that dominate political decisions.

A document written by Madison, arguing that the power of a large republic would be able to control factions. He advocated for a representative republic.

The document that laid out the first form of government for the US. It redefined colonies as states, and unites them under a loosely defined government.

A rebellion led by Daniel Shays of impoverished farmers undergoing foreclosure. They obstructed government, organized, and eventually turned violent. They showed that lack of military strength was a threat to the security of the nation.

The Constitution can be amended if 2/3rds of the House/State/Convention offers a proposal, and if 3/4ths of state legislature/state ratifying conventions ratify it.

Two-house legislature (House of Representatives + the Senate)

A list of uninfringable rights, protecting individuals and setting limits on government power.

The convention that debated the Constitution of the United States, and agreed on + signed it.

A proposal that created a two-house Congress, with a House of Representatives and a Senate. House seats were awarded based on population, while every state had 1 representative in the Senate.

The New Jersey Plan assures states of their sovereignty through national government with limited, defined powers.

A compromise that declared slaves would count as 3/5 of a person when determining representation in the House.

Called for a three-branch system with an executive, legislative, and judicial branch.

The Senate can suggest appointees, and must approve presidential appointees.

The ability of each branch to limit other branches using unique powers.

A document that addresses how checks + balances are created in government, and advocates for a separation of powers in government.

The sharing of power between the national and state governments.

The federal constitution and federal law take precedence over state constitution and federal law.

States must regard and honor laws in other states.

States must give non-residents the same privileges as residents of the state.

States must deliver fugitives to the state where they originally committed the crime.

Powers given only to the federal government.

State powers to create and enforce laws on health, safety, and morals.

Powers held by both state and federal governments.

A flexible relationship between federal and state governments in which both work together on issues and programs.

The distribution of federal funds to states for them to take care of national governments.

The distribution of tax income to other units of government by one government unit.

Same thing as grant in aid programs and revenue sharing

Same thing as fiscal federalism and revenue sharing

Grants with congressional guidelines/requirements.

Conditions of aid/obligations in exchange for accepting a grant.

Federal money given to states for broad reasons.

Requires states to comply with federal directives, sometimes with incentive.

The return of power to states.

Powers of the federal government specifically addressed in the Constitution.

Empowers Congress to regulate commerce with other nations, and among states.

The Congress has power to make all laws that are deemed necessary for executing its power.

Another name for the necessary and proper clause.

Any power not given to the federal government specifically is given to the people.

Amendment that promises US citizenship to anyone born/naturalized in the United States.

The federal government has implied powers and supremacy under the elastic and supremacy clauses.

Powers not specifically listed in the Constitution, but are derived from the elastic clause.

The national government is superior in its sphere, and the states are equally superior in their own spheres.

Congress may regulate only when a national, uniform rule is required.

The court does not always allow Congress to legislate under the guise of regulating commerce.

Multi-country agreement that committed the signing nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

An international climate agreement that sought out to improve upon the Kyoto Protocol.

Government-run health care program for the impoverished who can't afford medical expenses.

Government-run insurance program for citizens over 65 years old.

Money paid to those legally entitled to entitlement programs.

Government services Congress has promised by law to citizens.

When there is too much money in circulation, causing prices to rise and money to devalue.

How the government manages the supply and demand of currency and the value of the dollar.

One's tax rate increases as one's income increases.

The government should leave money supply with the people and let the laws of economics govern the marketplace.

The part of economic policy concerned with government spending and taxation.

A list of potential policy ideas, bills, or plans to improve society.

The interaction of people with government in order to put into place and carry out the will of the majority.

Those aligned with the working class and labor unions. They believe in workers' rights and higher taxes for the wealthy.

Those who often attend a Protestant church, and follow fundamental Christian ideas. They favor workplace regulation and farming subsidies, but dislike obscenity.

Those with a high regard for civil liberties, including lower taxes, no censorship, and no government imposed morality.

Those who believe the government should act flexibly, beyond established constraints.

People whose opinions are between liberal and conservative, and may not be fully one party or another.

The importance of an issue to an individual or group.

Issues that the public is sharply divided on. Used by political parties to gain supporters.

Concerns or policies viewed in the same way by people with differing ideologies.

A comprehensive and mutually consistent set of ideas.

The process of an ever-expanding and increasingly interactive world economy.

The process by which political beliefs develop.

A government kept under control by law by checks and balances and the separation of power.

Believe in law and order, lean toward order at the expense of some liberties. Small government + fewer services, harsh punishment for lawbreakers.

Set of attitudes that shape political legislation.

A belief in the worth and importance of the individual, a value of American social and political life. Enlightenment ideal.

Citizens of the US have the equal right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. People in similar conditions in every state will be treated equally under the law.

The government takes a "hands-off" approach to regulating the economy.

An "invisible hand" guided by the interactions of producers and consumers will regulate the economy.

The principle of a government that establishes laws that apply equally to all members of society and prevents the abuse of power by leaders.

Citizens are taxed at the same rate, regardless of income bracket.