Ap Gov terms

• Limited Government


  A principle in political philosophy and constitutional law that advocates for restricting the power of government to prevent abuse and protect individual liberties.
• Natural Rights:

  Fundamental rights inherent to all human beings, typically including rights to life, liberty, and property, which are often seen as foundational to democratic societies.
• Social Contract:


  An implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits, often involving the surrender of some individual freedoms in exchange for protection and support from the government.
• Popular Sovereignty:

  The principle that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, where the people hold ultimate power in a political system.
• Declaration of Independence:


  A document adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule and asserting natural rights as the foundation of government.
• Articles of Confederation:


  The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a loose union of sovereign states with a weak central government.
• Constitutional Preamble:


  The introductory statement to the United States Constitution, outlining the purposes and principles of the government established by the Constitution.
• US Constitution:


  The supreme law of the United States, outlining the structure of the federal government, the allocation of powers, and the rights of citizens.
• Federalist No. 10:


  An essay written by James Madison in support of the ratification of the United States Constitution, discussing the dangers of factionalism and advocating for a large republic to mitigate its effects.
• Brutus No. 1:


  A series of essays written by an Anti-Federalist in opposition to the ratification of the United States Constitution, raising concerns about the powers granted to the federal government and the potential for tyranny.
• Federalists


  Supporters of the United States Constitution and proponents of a strong central government.
• Anti-Federalists:


  Opponents of the United States Constitution who favored stronger state governments and were concerned about the potential for centralized power and loss of individual liberties.
• Central Government:


  The overarching authority that governs a nation or state, typically responsible for national defense, foreign affairs, and other matters that affect the entire country.
• Republic


  A form of government in which power is held by elected representatives and leaders are chosen by the people, rather than by a monarch or hereditary ruling class
• Shay's Rebellion:


  An armed uprising in Massachusetts from 1786 to 1787, led by farmers in protest against high taxes and debt, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and contributing to calls for a stronger central government.
• The Federalist Papers:


  A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay advocating for the ratification of the United States Constitution.
• Virginia Plan:


  A proposal at the Constitutional Convention calling for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, favored by larger states.
• New Jersey Plan:


  A proposal at the Constitutional Convention calling for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, favored by smaller states.
• Great (Connecticut) Compromise:


  A compromise at the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate.
• Three-Fifths Compromise:


  A compromise at the Constitutional Convention that counted three-fifths of the slave population for purposes of taxation and representation in Congress.
• Slave Trade Compromise:


  A compromise at the Constitutional Convention that allowed the continuation of the transatlantic slave trade for 20 years, but granted Congress the power to regulate it thereafter.
• Ex Post Facto Law:

  A law that retroactively criminalizes conduct that was not illegal when it was performed, prohibited by the United States Constitution.
• Bill of Attainder:


  A legislative act that declares a person or group guilty of a crime and punishes them without a trial, prohibited by the United States Constitution.
• Electoral College:


  The body of electors chosen by the states to formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States, as outlined in the Constitution.
• Full Faith and Credit Clause:


  A provision in the Constitution requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.
• Amendment Process:


  The method outlined in the Constitution for proposing and ratifying changes to the document.
• Supremacy Clause:


  A clause in the Constitution establishing that federal law takes precedence over state law when there is a conflict between the two.
• Ratification:

  The formal approval of a document or agreement, such as the Constitution, typically by a vote of the people or their representatives.
• Checks and Balances:


  A system in which each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.
• Separation of Powers:


  The division of government into separate branches, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with its own powers and responsibilities.
• Federalist No. 51:


  An essay written by James Madison advocating for the separation of powers and checks and balances within the government to prevent tyranny.
• Impeachment:


  The process by which a legislative body brings charges against a government official for misconduct, potentially leading to their removal from office.
• Commerce Clause:


  A clause in the Constitution granting Congress the power to regulate interstate and international commerce.
• Enumerated Powers/Delegated/Expressed/Formal Powers:


  Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.
• Implied Powers:


  Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred from the necessary and proper clause, allowing Congress to carry out its enumerated powers effectively.
• Concurrent (Shared) Powers:


  Powers shared by both the federal and state governments, such as the power to tax and establish courts.
• Reserved Powers:


  Powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution and therefore reserved for the states or the people.
• Necessary and Proper Clause:

  A clause in the Constitution granting Congress the authority to pass laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.
• Devolution:


  The transfer of power or authority from a central government to lower levels of government, such as regional or local entities.
• Dual ("Layer Cake") Federalism

  A model of federalism where the powers and responsibilities of the federal and state governments are clearly delineated, resembling layers of a cake with distinct areas of authority.