AP Government Exam Vocab

A tax-exempt organization under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, often engaged in social welfare or advocacy.

A tax-exempt organization under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code, primarily involved in political advocacy.

The Senate's constitutional authority to approve or reject major presidential appointments and treaties.

Policies designed to give special attention or compensatory treatment to members of previously disadvantaged groups.

Legal briefs submitted by individuals or groups who are not parties in a case but seek to provide the court with additional information or arguments.

Opponents of the U.S. Constitution during its ratification period, concerned about a strong central government.

The authority of a court to hear appeals from lower courts.

The distribution of congressional seats among the states based on population.

Congressional authorization to spend money for specific purposes.

A legislative measure that grants permission to implement and fund a particular government program.

A proposed law or policy change that is placed on the ballot by citizens for a popular vote.

A political tactic in which individuals join a popular political movement for personal gain.

A legislative body with two chambers or houses.

Involving the cooperation of two political parties, usually referring to legislative activities.

Federal funds given to states for a broad purpose, allowing states flexibility in how the funds are spent.

A congressional decision that sets limits on the budget and outlines spending priorities.

The practice of political fundraising by combining small donations into a larger, more significant contribution.

The president's use of his position to advocate for his policies and influence public opinion.

A group of presidential advisors, each heading a department or agency.

Assistance provided by members of Congress to constituents in dealing with federal agencies.

Federal funds designated for a specific purpose or program.

A meeting of party members to select candidates or delegates.

An informal group or association of members of Congress sharing common goals or interests.

The system in which each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches.

Individual freedoms protected by law, such as freedom of speech and religion.

Rights belonging to an individual by virtue of citizenship, typically protected by the government.

A legal action filed by a representative on behalf of a group of individuals with similar grievances.

A standard for restricting free speech when it poses a danger to others or national security.

A primary election in which only registered members of a particular party can vote.

A procedure used in the Senate to limit debate on a bill and force a vote.

The process of forming alliances or partnerships to achieve common goals.

The tendency of a popular political party leader to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in an election.

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution granting Congress the power to regulate commerce.

A separate opinion in a court case that agrees with the majority's conclusion but for different reasons.

A committee composed of members of both the House and Senate to resolve differences in a bill.

A resident of a district or state represented by an elected official.

A temporary funding measure passed by Congress to keep the government running in the absence of a budget.

A meeting of party delegates to nominate candidates for office.

The collaboration between federal and state governments in policy implementation.

Legal advice or representation.

Segregation that occurs by social practices and is not mandated by law.

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.

The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states.

A procedure in the House of Representatives to force a bill out of committee for a vote.

Spending not mandated by law and subject to annual appropriation.

Being tried twice for the same crime.

A system with both federal and state courts, each with its own jurisdiction.

A strict separation of powers between the federal and state governments.

The legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights of individuals.

Provisions within a bill that direct funds to a specific project or recipient.

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution granting Congress the power to pass laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.

The government's power to take private property for public use with just compensation.

A government program that provides benefits to individuals who meet certain criteria.

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.

The part of the First Amendment prohibiting the establishment of a state religion.

A legal principle that prohibits evidence obtained illegally from being used in court.

Directives issued by the president with the force of law.

A survey of voters leaving a polling place to predict election results.

A law that retroactively makes a particular act illegal.

The surrender of an alleged criminal from one state or country to another.

The division of powers and responsibilities between the federal and state governments.

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill by continuously speaking.

Government expenditures related to taxes and budgetary matters.

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system.

Referring to the full chamber of a legislative body during debate.

Federal funds distributed to states based on a formula specified in legislation.

The privilege of free mail service for members of Congress to communicate with constituents.

The part of the First Amendment protecting the right to practice one