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unit 1 ap government and poltiics vocabulary list

unit 1 ap government and poltiics vocabulary list

3 min read 02-02-2025
unit 1 ap government and poltiics vocabulary list

This comprehensive vocabulary list covers key terms for Unit 1 of AP Government and Politics. Understanding these terms is crucial for success in the course and on the AP exam. We'll break down each term, providing definitions, context, and examples to solidify your understanding. Remember, active recall is key – test yourself frequently!

Core Political Concepts

1. Government: The institutions and procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled. Think of it as the machinery of the state – the people and organizations that make and enforce laws. Examples include the U.S. federal government, state governments, and local governments.

2. Politics: The process by which we select our governmental leaders and what policies these leaders pursue. It's about power – who gets what, when, and how. This encompasses everything from campaigning and voting to policy debates and implementation.

3. Public Goods: Goods, such as clean air and clean water, that everyone can share. The key characteristic is that one person's use doesn't diminish another person's use. They are often provided by the government because the free market might under-provide them.

4. Political Culture: The widely shared beliefs, values, and norms about how citizens relate to government and one another. This shapes political behavior and the overall political landscape. For example, American political culture emphasizes individual liberty and limited government.

5. Political Ideology: A consistent set of values and beliefs about the proper purpose and scope of government. Examples include liberalism, conservatism, libertarianism, and socialism. These ideologies influence how individuals and groups approach political issues.

6. Democracy: A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. Key features include free and fair elections, protection of civil liberties, and the rule of law.

7. Republic: A system of government where supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch. The U.S. is a republic, ensuring a balance of power and preventing tyranny.

8. Autocracy: A system of government by one person with absolute power. In contrast to democracies and republics, individual rights are often suppressed.

9. Oligarchy: A small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution. Power is concentrated in the hands of a few, often based on wealth, social status, or military power.

Foundational Principles of American Government

10. Constitutionalism: The idea that government must be conducted according to constitutional principles. This limits governmental power and protects individual rights. The U.S. Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land.

11. Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments. The U.S. employs this system, sharing power between Washington D.C. and the 50 states.

12. Separation of Powers: The division of governmental power among different branches (legislative, executive, and judicial). This prevents the concentration of power in any single branch.

13. Checks and Balances: A system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches. This further protects against tyranny and ensures accountability.

14. Judicial Review: The power of the courts to review laws or governmental actions and to declare them invalid if they violate the Constitution. This is not explicitly stated in the Constitution but established through precedent.

15. Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantee basic individual rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

Understanding Political Participation

16. Civil Liberties: Individual rights and freedoms that are protected from government interference. These are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

17. Civil Rights: The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. These rights protect individuals from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or other characteristics.

18. Suffrage: The right to vote. The expansion of suffrage in the U.S. has been a major part of its political history.

This list provides a strong foundation for your study of Unit 1. Remember to delve deeper into each term and its historical and contemporary significance. Good luck with your AP Government and Politics studies!

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