Ap Gov Unit 2 Vocab

Mastering AP Gov Unit 2 Vocabulary: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the key vocabulary terms is crucial for success in AP Government and Politics Unit 2, which typically covers the institutions of the US government. This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential vocabulary, providing definitions, explanations, and real-world examples to solidify your understanding. Mastering these terms will not only improve your exam scores but also deepen your understanding of the American political system.

Introduction: Why Vocabulary Matters in AP Gov

AP Government and Politics demands a precise understanding of terminology. The exam tests not only your knowledge of concepts but also your ability to apply them correctly. A strong vocabulary is the foundation for comprehending complex political processes, analyzing governmental actions, and forming well-reasoned arguments. This guide focuses specifically on the vocabulary relevant to Unit 2, providing a detailed overview of key terms to equip you for success.

Key Vocabulary Terms for AP Gov Unit 2:

This section will systematically present crucial vocabulary terms, categorized for easier understanding. Each term will be defined, explained with examples, and contextualized within the broader framework of Unit 2.

I. Congress and the Legislative Process:

• Bicameralism: The division of a legislature into two separate assemblies or chambers, such as the US Senate and House of Representatives. This structure promotes checks and balances and allows for more thorough consideration of legislation. Example: The passage of a bill requires approval from both the House and the Senate before it can become law.

• Filibuster: A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill by extending debate indefinitely. It requires a cloture vote (60 senators) to end a filibuster. Example: Senators have used filibusters to prevent the passage of controversial legislation on topics like civil rights or healthcare.

• Cloture: The procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster by limiting debate. It requires a supermajority vote (60 senators). Example: The use of cloture has become increasingly common in recent years due to increased partisan polarization.

• Gerrymandering: The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular party or group. This practice can significantly impact election outcomes and representation. Example: States often redraw district lines after the census to maximize the number of seats their party can win.

• Incumbency Advantage: The advantage enjoyed by incumbent (current) officeholders in elections due to factors like name recognition, fundraising advantages, and franking privileges (free postage). Example: Incumbents often win reelection at significantly higher rates than challengers.

• Pork-barrel Legislation: Government spending projects attached to bills that primarily benefit a specific legislator's district or state, often to secure their vote. Example: Funding for a new highway or bridge in a specific congressional district is often considered pork-barrel spending.

• Logrolling: An agreement between legislators to support each other's bills, often involving trading votes. Example: A senator might vote for a bill benefiting another state in exchange for support on a bill benefiting their own state.

II. The Presidency and Executive Branch:

• Executive Order: A rule or regulation issued by the President that has the force of law, but can be overturned by Congress or the courts. Example: President Roosevelt’s executive orders during the Great Depression, or more recently, orders related to immigration.

• Executive Privilege: The right of the President to withhold information from Congress or the courts. The scope of this privilege is subject to legal challenges and interpretation. Example: Presidents have invoked executive privilege to protect national security information or internal White House deliberations.

• Veto: The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Example: A presidential veto can be a powerful tool in shaping legislation.

• Cabinet: A group of advisors appointed by the President to head the various executive departments. Example: The Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Attorney General are all members of the President's Cabinet.

• Executive Agreement: An agreement between the President and a foreign government that does not require Senate ratification. Example: Executive agreements are often used to deal with matters that require swift action or do not warrant the full Senate approval process.

• War Powers Resolution: A law passed by Congress in 1973 that limits the President's power to deploy troops without Congressional approval. Example: This resolution aimed to curb presidential power in deploying military forces abroad.

III. The Judiciary and the Federal Court System:

• Judicial Review: The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of the government unconstitutional. This power is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but was established through the landmark case Marbury v. Madison. Example: The Supreme Court’s decisions on abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and campaign finance illustrate judicial review.

• Stare Decisis: The legal principle of upholding precedents set by previous court decisions. This promotes consistency and predictability in the application of the law. Example: Lower courts generally follow the rulings of higher courts.

• Original Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction (hearing appeals). Example: The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving disputes between states.

• Appellate Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts. Example: The Supreme Court primarily exercises appellate jurisdiction, reviewing cases from lower federal and state courts.

IV. Federalism and the Relationship Between National and State Governments:

• Federalism: The division of power between a national government and state governments. The US Constitution outlines the powers of each level of government. Example: Education is primarily a state responsibility, while national defense is a federal responsibility.

• Dual Federalism (Layer Cake Federalism): A system where national and state governments have clearly defined separate spheres of authority. This model emphasizes state sovereignty. Example: This model was more prevalent in the early years of the US.

• Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake Federalism): A system where national and state governments share power and collaborate on policy issues. This model emphasizes intergovernmental cooperation. Example: Modern federalism largely operates under this model, with shared responsibilities on issues such as infrastructure and healthcare.

• Fiscal Federalism: The use of federal funding to influence state policies. This involves grants-in-aid and other forms of financial assistance from the national government to the states. Example: Federal highway funding often comes with conditions that states must meet.

V. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights:

• Civil Liberties: Fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech and religion. These protections limit the power of the government to restrict individual freedoms. Example: The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and petition.

• Civil Rights: The rights of all citizens to equal treatment under the law, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. These rights aim to prevent discrimination and ensure equality. Example: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

VI. Public Opinion and Political Participation:

• Public Opinion: The aggregate of individual attitudes or beliefs shared by some portion of the adult population. Public opinion is measured through polls and surveys. Example: Public opinion polls provide insights into public attitudes toward various political issues.

• Political Participation: Activities undertaken by citizens to influence government policy or officials. This can include voting, campaigning, donating to political causes, or contacting elected officials. Example: Voting is the most common form of political participation.

• Political Efficacy: The belief that one's political participation can make a difference. High political efficacy is associated with greater participation. Example: Citizens with high political efficacy are more likely to vote and engage in other political activities.

• Political Socialization: The process by which individuals learn about politics and develop their political beliefs. This process is influenced by family, education, peers, and media. Example: Family often plays a significant role in shaping an individual's political ideology.

VII. Political Parties and Interest Groups:

• Political Party: An organized group of individuals with shared political goals that seeks to influence government by winning elections and holding public office. Example: The Democratic and Republican parties are the two major political parties in the US.

• Interest Group (Lobbying Group): An organized group that seeks to influence government policy by lobbying policymakers and mobilizing public opinion. Example: The National Rifle Association (NRA) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) are examples of powerful interest groups.

VIII. The Media and its Influence:

• Media Bias: A particular point of view or perspective that is presented in the media, potentially influencing public perception. Example: Media outlets may present information in a way that favors one political party or ideology over another.

• Agenda Setting: The media’s power to influence which issues receive public attention and become part of the public agenda. Example: Extensive media coverage of a particular issue can raise public awareness and pressure policymakers to address it.

• Framing: The way the media presents information, influencing how the public interprets it. Example: The use of specific language or imagery can shape public opinion on a particular issue.

Conclusion: Applying Your Knowledge

Mastering these vocabulary terms is essential for understanding the complexities of AP Government Unit 2. Remember that simply memorizing definitions is insufficient; you need to understand the concepts and be able to apply them to different contexts. Practice using these terms in your essays, discussions, and classwork to strengthen your understanding and prepare for the AP exam. By diligently studying and applying this vocabulary, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of AP Government and achieve success. Good luck!