AP Notes, Outlines, Study Guides, Vocabulary, Practice Exams and more!

AP Government Chapter 2 Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
15060813894UnalienableA human right based on nature or God0
15060813895Articles of ConfederationThe first constitution of the United States, adopted by Congress in 177 and enacted in 1781. The Articles established a national legislature, the Continental Congress, but most authority rested with state legislatures.1
15060813896Constitutional ConventionA meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 that produced a new constitution2
15060813897Shays' Rebelliona series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by Revolutionary War Captain Daniel Shay to block foreclosure proceedings3
15060813898Virginia PlanProposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for representation of each sate in congress in proportion to that state's population.4
15060813899New Jersey PlanProposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation of each state in Congress regardless of the state's population.5
15060813900Great CompromisePlan to have a popularly elected House based on state population and a state-selected Senate, with two members for each state6
15060813901Judicial ReviewThe power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional7
15060813902FederalismGovernment authority shared by national and local governments8
15060813903Enumerated PowersPowers given to the national government alone9
15060813904Reserved PowersPowers given to the state governments10
15060813905Concurrent PowersPowers shared by the national and state governments11
15060813906Checks and BalancesFeatures of the Constitution that limit government's power by requiring that power be balanced among the different governmental institutions. These institutions continually constrain one another's activities.12
15060813907Separation of Powersa feature of the constitution that requires each of the three branches of government-executive, legislative, judicial-to be relatively independent of others so that one cannot control the others. Power is shared among these three institutions13
15060813908FactionInterest groups arising from the unequal distribution of property or wealth14
15060813909FederalistsSupporters of the U.S. Constitution at the time states were contemplating its adoption. Those who favor a stronger national government and want to ratify the constitution.15
15060813910AntifederalistsOpponents of the U.S. Constitution. Those who favor a weaker national government and believe the constitution needs individual rights.16
15060813911Block GrantA grant in-in-aid for a broadly define policy area.17
15060813912Federal MandatesMandatory conditions that are attached to laws in which the borrower must comply to.18
15060813913Category GrantA grant-in-aid for a specific policy.19
15060813914Bicamerallegislature comprising of a two house system.20
15060813915Selective IncorporationStates cant make laws that take away constitutional rights.21
15060813916Welfare Reform Act of 1996This reduced the number of individual who rely on government assistance and help them become self-sufficient.22
15060813917Constitutiona nation's basic law. it creates political institutions, assigns or divides power in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens.23
15060813918Declaration of Independencethe document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against the British monarch and declared their independence.24
15060813919Natural Rightsrights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments which include life, liberty, and property.25
15060813920Consent of governedthe idea that government consent derives its authority to sanction of the people26
15060813921U.S Consitituionthe document written in 1787 and ratified in 1788 that sets form the institutional structure of the U.S government and the tasks these institutions performed. Replaced the AOC27
15060813922Connecticut Compromisethe compromise reached at the constitutional convention that established 2 houses in congress.28
15060813923Writ of habeas corpusa court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody.29
15060813924Republica form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws30
15060813925Federalists Papersa collection of 85 articles written by John Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton under the name of "Publics" to defend the constitution in detail31
15060813926Bill of Rightsthe first 10 amendments to the U.S constitution, drafted in response to some of the Anti-Federalists concerns. The amendments define basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, press, and guarantee defendant's rights.32
15060813927Equal Rights Amendmenta constitutional amendment passed by Congress in 1972 stating that the "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state an account of sex." The amendment failed to acquire the necessary support from 3/4s of the state legislatures.33
15060813928Marbury v. MadisonThe 1803 case in which chief justice John Marshall and his associates 1st asserted the right of the supreme court to determine the meaning of the U.S constitution. The decisions established the court's power of judicial review over acts of Congress in this case the Judiciary Act 1789.34
15060813929Judicial Reviewthe power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress and, by implication, the executive are in accord with the U.S Constitution. Established by John marshall and his associates in Marybury vs. Madison35
15060813930Dual Federalismstrictly divided powers under dual states have more power. little. very little federal regulation. (Layer cake)36
15060813931Cooperate Federalismstate and federal government come together (marble cake)37
15060813932Commerce Clause"to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes"38
15060813933Limited Governmentthe idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens39
15060813934Legislatoran individual who proposes, draws up and enacts laws. He is a member of a legislative body, either elected or appointed. American congressmen and members of the British and Indian parliaments are examples40
15060813935Legislaturea deliberative group, usually a government group, either elected or appointed, made up of individuals who have the responsibility of writing, passing and appealing laws. City councils, county boards, parliaments and senates are all examples41
15060813936Proposing an amendment2/3 vote in each house of congress or by a national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures.42
15060813937Ratifying an amendmentLegislatures of 3/4 of the states or special state conventions called in 3/4 of the states.43

Need Help?

We hope your visit has been a productive one. If you're having any problems, or would like to give some feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

For general help, questions, and suggestions, try our dedicated support forums.

If you need to contact the Course-Notes.Org web experience team, please use our contact form.

Need Notes?

While we strive to provide the most comprehensive notes for as many high school textbooks as possible, there are certainly going to be some that we miss. Drop us a note and let us know which textbooks you need. Be sure to include which edition of the textbook you are using! If we see enough demand, we'll do whatever we can to get those notes up on the site for you!