AP Gov Vocab #1

Question 1

Constitutionalism

Answer 1

The set of arrangements, including checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, rule of law, due process, and a bill of rights, that requires our leaders to listen, think, bargain, and explain before they act or make laws

Question 2

Checks and Balances

Answer 2

Checks mean that each branch is able to say no to the other. Balance means that each of them has the same amount of power as each of the others

Question 3

Rule of Law

Answer 3

A form of government in which a written, unwritten, or partly written constitution serves as a higher or fundamental law that everyone, including those in power, must obey

Question 4

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 4

The principle that a government derives its power from the consent of the people, primarily through their elected representatives

Question 5

Republicanism

Answer 5

The idea of governing a nation where power is primarily held by the people and elected representatives. Supporting the Republican ideology. The U.S. is a republic

Question 6

Limited Government

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Natural Rights

Answer 7

Natural rights are fundamental rights that are granted at birth and are seen as necessary for all humans

Question 8

Social Contract

Answer 8

Social contract is the idea that there is an agreement between the government and the people. This agreement is important because the people must give up some rights in order for protection for all

Question 9

Shay’s Rebellion

Answer 9

A 6-month rebellion where over 1,000 Massachusetts farmers attacked a federal arsenal in order to protest the foreclosure of their farms. They were in opposition to the debt crisis and increased collection of taxes for both individuals and their trades

Question 10

Great Compromise

Answer 10

Compromise made by the Constitutional Convention in which states would have equal representation in one house of the legislature (Senate) and representation based on population in the other house (House of Representatives)

Question 11

3/5 Compromise

Answer 11

Compromise agreement between northern and southern states at the Constitutional Convention that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for determining direct taxation and representation in the House of Representatives

Question 12

Amendment Process

Answer 12

An amendment is a change or addition to the Constitution. Get 2/3rds majority vote in both houses of Congress to propose a Constitutional amendment and a 3/4ths vote of the State Legislature to ratify the amendment

Question 13

Federalism

Answer 13

A system of government where power is divided between a national/central government and subunits/states. The Founders believed in separation of power and limiting central authority, so dividing power between the Federal government and states was another check on power

Question 14

Block Grants

Answer 14

A grant from the federal government that a local/state government can allocate to a wide range of services. It is generally broad with what it can be used for, and have few strings attached.

Question 15

Categorical Grants

Answer 15

A grant from the federal government to local/state governments with far stricter regulations as to what the money can be used for. Can only be used for narrowly defined purposes, are the main source of aid from the federal government to state and local government

Question 16

Mandates

Answer 16

A requirement or an order from the central government that all state and local governments must comply with

Question 17

Access Points

Answer 17

A point in the policymaking process where ordinary citizens can influence government

Question 18

Tenth Amendment

Answer 18

The Tenth Amendment says that the Federal Government only has those powers delegated in the Constitution. If it isn’t listed, it belongs to the states or to the people

Question 19

Commerce Clause

Answer 19

The Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution provides that Congress shall have the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce. The plain meaning of this language might indicate a limited power to regulate commercial trade between persons in one state and persons outside of that state

Question 20

Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer 20

This clause allows Congress to pass laws that they believe are necessary in order to perform their responsibilities. It is also called the Elastic Clause because it stretches the power of Congress farther from what is explicitly stated in the Constitution

Question 21

McCulloch v. Maryland

Answer 21

This court case resulted in the decision that established the supremacy of the Constitution, the expansion of Congress’ powers beyond those enumerated, and the inferior status of state laws in relation to federal laws. Defined the scope of the Legistlative branch

Question 22

Federalist 10

Answer 22

According to Federalist No. 10, a large republic will help control factions because when more representatives are elected, there will be a greater number of opinions. Therefore, it is far less likely that there will be one majority oppressing the rest of the people.

Question 23

Brutus 1

Answer 23

The Constitution and laws of every state would be nullified and declared void if they were, or shall be inconsistent with the Constitution

Question 24

Articles of Confederation

Answer 24

A constitution drafted by the newly independent states in 1777 and ratified in 1781. It created a weak national government that could not levy taxes or regulate commerce. In 1789 it was replaced by our current constitution in order to create a stronger national government

Question 25

Federalist 51

Answer 25

An essay written by James Madison (under the pseudonym Publius) that explains how the structure of the new government under the Constitution will provide the necessary checks and balances to keep any part of the government from becoming too powerful