Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

AP Gov > Mega Vocab List > Flashcards

Mega Vocab List Flashcards

1
Q

Limited Government

A

A governing body whose powers are defined and restricted by a constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Natural Rights

A

Rights individuals are born with (life, liberty, property), theorized by John Lock

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Popular Sovereignty

A

Principle that the power lies with the people who elect their representatives

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Republicanism

A

A form of government in which citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Social Contract

A

An implicit agreement among members of society to cooperate for social benefits

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Participatory Democracy

A

A model emphasizing broad participation in politics and civil society

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Pluralist Democracy

A

A model where multiple interest groups influence public policy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Elite Democracy

A

A model where a small number of people, usually wealthy or well-educated, influence political decisions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Federalism

A

A system where power is divided between national and state governments

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Exclusive Powers

A

Powers that can only be exercised by the Federal government

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Concurrent Powers

A

Powers shared by both national and state governments

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Mandates

A

Requirements set by the Federal government that the state and local governments must follow

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Revenue Sharing

A

Distribution of federal funds to state and local governments with few strings attached

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Categorical Grants

A

Federal grants for specific purposes, often with conditions attached.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Block Grants

A

Federal grants given for general purposes with fewer restrictions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Enumerated Powers

A

Powers specifically listed in the Constitutions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Implied Powers

A

Powers not expressly stated but inferred from the Constitution (via the Necessary and Proper Clause)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Constituency

A

The people politicians represent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Filibuster

A

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation by extending debate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Cloture

A

A procedure to end debate in the Senate, requiring 60 votes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Unanimous Consent

A

An agreement by all senators to waive formal rules and expedite proceedings

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Hold in the Senate

A

An informal practice by which a senator informs Senate leadership that he or she does not wish a particular measure or nomination to reach the floor for consideration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Discharge Petition

A

A means to bring a bill out of committee and to the floor for a vote

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Discretionary Spending

A

Government spending implemented through an appropriations bill

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Mandatory Spending
Spending that is required by law (Social Security, Medicare, etc.)
26
Entitlement Programs
Government programs providing benefits to qualified individuals
27
Budget Deficit
The difference when a government spends more than it collects in revenue
28
Pork Barrel Legislation
Government spending for localized projects to bring money to a representative's district
29
Logrolling
Mutual exchange of favors or votes among legislators
30
Gerrymandering
Redrawing district boundaries to favor a political party
31
Redistricting
Redrawing electoral district lines based on population changes
32
Reapportionment
Reallocating congressional seats based on census data
33
Divided Government
When different parties control the presidency and Congress
34
"Lame Duck" President
A president in the final period of office, often with reduced power
35
Trustee Model
Representatives use their judgement to make decisions for the public good
36
Delegate Model
Representatives vote strictly according to constituents' wishes
37
Politico Model
A hybrid approach where representatives switch between trustee and delegate models
38
Pocket Veto
An indirect veto by the president by not signing a bill within 10 days while Congress is adjourned
39
Executive Order
A directive from the president that has the force of law (does not have to be passed through Congress)
40
Executive Agreement
An agreement between the US and another country not requiring Senate approval
41
Signing Statement
A written pronouncement by the president upon singing a bill
42
Stare Decisis
The principle of following precedent in judicial rulings
43
Judicial Activism
Judicial rulings based on personal or political considerations
44
Judicial Restraint
The practice of judges limiting their own power by deferring to laws and precedent
45
Issue Network/Iron Triangle
A relationship between bureaucracy, interest groups, and congressional committees
46
Oversight
Congressional review of the actions of the executive branch
47
Civil Liberties
Protections against government actions (e.g. freedom of speech)
48
Civil Rights
Protections against discrimination ensuring equal treatment under the law
49
Selective Incorporation
Applying the Bill of Rights to the states using the 14th Amendment
50
Symbolic Speech
Nonverbal expressions (e.g. flag burning) protected by the 1st Amendment
51
Defamatory Speech
False speech that damages someone's reputation (libel and slander)
52
Due Process Clause
Part of the 14th Amendment prohibits states from depriving any person of "life, liberty, or property without due process of law"
53
Equal Protection Clause
Part of the 14 Amendment guaranteeing equal protection of the laws from person to person
54
Miranda Rule
Requirement that suspects be informed of their rights upon arrest
55
Exclusionary Rule
Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court
56
Individualism
A belief in the importance of individual rights and responsibilities
57
Equality of Opportunity
Everyone should have the same chance to succeed
58
Free Enterprise
Economic system with minimal government intervention
59
Rule of Law
Everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law
60
Political Socialization
The process of forming political values and opinions via socialization
61
Political Ideology
A set of beliefs about politics and government
62
Keynesian Theory
Government should increase spending during recessions to boost demand
63
Supply-Side Theory
Lower taxes and less regulation will stimulate the economy
64
Monetary Policy
Policy controlling the money supply and interest rates (typically by the Fed)
65
Fiscal Policy
Government use of taxation and spending to influence the economy
66
Liberal Ideology
Belief in more government involvement in economy and social programs
67
Conservative Ideology
Belief in limited government and personal responsibility
68
Franchise/Suffrage
The right to vote (but really a privilege)
69
Rational Choice Voting
Voting based on personal benefit analysis
70
Retrospective Voting
Voting based on evaluation of a candidate's past performance
71
Prospective Voting
Voting based on expected performance in the future
72
Party-Line Voting
Voting for candidates strictly from one political party
73
Demographics
Statistical data about populations (e.g. age, race, income)
74
General Election
Regular election of candidates for office (all parties)
75
Mid-Term Elections
Elections held halfway through a president's term
76
Linkage Institutions
Structures connecting people to the government (e.g. media, political parties)
77
Critical Election
An election that results in significant shift in political power
78
Realignment
A long-term change in party allegiance or support of a group
79
Proportional System
Electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to votes
80
Winner-Take-All System
Candidate with the most votes wins the election (used in US presidential races)
81
Party Coalition
A group of individuals or organizations supporting a political party
82
Bipartisan
Support from members of both major political parties
83
Open Primary
A primary where voters can choose candidates regardless of party affiliation
84
Closed Primary
A primary where only registered party members can vote
85
Party Caucus
A meeting of party members to select candidates or policy
86
Incumbency Advantage
The electoral edge held by those already in office
87
PAC (Political Action Committee)
Organization that raises money to political candidates (do influence legislation)
88
Super PAC
Independent group that can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate directly with candidates
89
Independent Expenditure
Spending by individuals or groups not coordinated with a candidate's campaign
90
Horse Race Journalism
Media coverage focusing on poll standings rather than real candidate policy

AP Gov (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions