AP GOVERNMENT REVIEW SET NEW SOLUTION 2022 NEW EXAM
10th Amendment - Powers not expressly given to federal government by the Constitution are
reserved to states or the people. Also known as "reserved powers amendment" or "states'
rights amendment"
13th Amendment - Abolished slavery. First of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after
Civil War (1865-70)
14th Amendment - (1) All persons born in the U.S. are citizens; (2) no person can be deprived of
life, liberty or property without DUE PROCESS OF LAW; (3) no state can deprive a person of
EQUAL PROTECTION of the laws. Second of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after
Civil War.
15th Amendment - States cannot deny any person the right to vote because of race. Third of
three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after Civil War. First Voting Rights Amendment
(with 19, 24 & 26)
16th Amendment - Power of Congress to tax income
17th Amendment - Established the direct election of senators (instead of being chosen by state
legislatures)
19th Amendment - States cannot deny the right to vote based on gender
1st Amendment - Freedom of religion (establishment & free exercise clauses), speech, press,
assembly, and petition.
22nd Amendment - Limits the president to two terms.
23rd Amendment - Gives Washington DC electoral college votes as if it were a state (DC still has
no representation in Congress)
24th Amendment - Abolishes poll taxes
26th Amendment - States cannot deny the right to vote based on age (18+)
2nd Amendment - Right to arm bears. Supported by National Rifle Association interest group &
Republican Party.
4th Amendment - No "unreasonable" searches and seizures. Exclusionary rule (Weeks v. US,
Mapp v. Ohio)
5th Amendment - (1) No Self-Incrimination (Miranda)
,(2) No Double Jeopardy (defendant cannot be tried again on the same, or similar charges)
(3) No deprivation of life liberty or property without "due process of law" (fair treatment)
6th Amendment - The right to counsel in criminal trials. Gideon v. Wainwright held that states
must provide indigent defendants with a free lawyer ("public defender"). Right to jury in
criminal trials.
7th Amendment - Right to jury in civil trials.
8th Amendment - Government cannot inflict cruel and unusual punishment. Meaning of "cruel"
based on "evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society."
Categorical bans on death penalty: juveniles, retarded, non-murder crimes...
9th Amendment - Unenumerated Rights Amendment. Citizens have unenumerated rights in
addition to those stated in the Constitution. Not been developed by Supreme Court (too open
ended)
Constitution - A nation's basic law, creates political institutions, assigns or divides power in
government and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Can be written or unwritten.
Agents of Socialization - Family (most important); TV/media (growing in importance);
friends/peers; school (formal socialization). How we develop (absorb) opinions & beliefs.
American Political Culture - A set of basic, foundational values and beliefs about government
that is shared by most citizens. Key elements: democracy, equality before the law, limited
government, capitalism & private property
Anti-Federalists - A group who opposed the ratification of the Constitution in 1787. They
opposed a strong central government (tyranny) and supported states' rights. "I smell a rat!"
Articles of Confederation - Set up the 1st independent American government (1783-88).
Nonbinding "league of friendship" among sovereign states with weak central government to
help with common defense & cooperation (like the European Union). Replaced by our current
constitution in 1788.
Bandwagon Effect - "Copy-cat" behavior. People often do things just because other people do
them. In primary elections, it is when people support the candidate everyone else seems to be
supporting (poll leaders). Leads to Primary Frontloading (states want to have the most impact in
the primary process)
Block Grants - Grants ($) given to the states by the federal government for a general purpose
(like education or road-building). Unlike categorical grants, states have discretion to decide how
to spend the money. Example = Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) (States develop
and implement welfare programs using federal money).
,Casework - Assistance given to individual constituents by congressional members, like helping
an elderly person figure out how to get Medicare benefits. Major incumbency advantage.
Categorical Grant - A grant ($) given to the states by the federal government for a specific
purpose or program. The federal government tells the states exactly how to spend the money
(no state discretion unlike block grants). Example = Medicaid. Most common type of federal
grant because it gives Congress the most control over the states.
Checks and Balances - A major principle of the American system of government. Helps maintain
separation of powers so that no one branch gets too powerful. Explained in Federalist 51.
Examples: President vetos laws; Senate confirms appointments & treaties; Congress impeaches
president & judges...
Chief Justice John Marshall - In office from 1801-1835 (longest serving CJ). Supported increased
power of federal government. Decided McCulloch v. Maryland, Gibbons v. Ogden, and Marbury
v. Madison.
Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Prohibits discrimination based on race or gender in employment or
public accommodations (restaurants, hotels). Created EEOC to enforce. Based on Congress's
interstate commerce clause power (discrimination impacts interstate commerce). The most
important federal civil rights law.
Commerce Clause - Art. 1, Sec. 8 of the Constitution (enumerated power). Congress has the
power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states ["Interstate
Commerce Clause"], and with the Indians. Interpreted by the Supreme Court very broadly
(Gibbons v. Ogden) until Lopez & Morrison.
Confederation - Nonbinding union of sovereign states (example = European Union, America
under Articles of Confederation).
Congressional Demographics - Rich highly educated white male protestant lawyers &
businessmen! Women VERY underrepresented! (<17%)
Connecticut Compromise - Solves big state-little state debate over representation in federal
legislature at Philly Convention. Created bicameral legislature with equal representation for
states in Senate and proportional representation in House (seats based on population).
Cooperative Federalism - System of federalism where federal & state governments help each
other perform governmental duties. Also known as marble-cake federalism. E.g., After
hurricanes federal and state agencies work together to provide relief. Can cause confusion
and/or conflict among among different levels of government. Best explanation of how
federalism works today (instead of dual federalism)
, Condition of Aid - A technique of fiscal federalism used by Congress to control states. Requires
states to do something in order to get the money (ex. South Dakota v. Dole, raise drinking age
21 to get highway money).
Department of Defense - Cabinet-level agency in charge of the armed forces and military policy.
HQ = The Pentagon. (Secretary Panetta)
Department of State - Cabinet-level agency in charge of foreign policy & international affairs.
(Secretary Clinton)
Descriptive Representation - The idea that politicians can only represent people like them (ex.
only women can represent women, blacks represent blacks, etc.)
Devolution Revolution - The effort to reduce the size & power of the federal government by
returning (devolving) power to the states. Associated with economic conservatives, President
Reagan & the Tea Party.
Doctrine of Implied Powers - Established by CJ Marshall in McCulloch v. Maryland. Congress has
the power to make all laws that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out its enumerated
powers. So it can create a National Bank to carry out its power to coin money. Major cause of
growth of federal power.
Dual Federalism - System of federalism that strictly separates federal power (ex. foreign
relations) and state power (ex. protect against crime). Each level of government is dominant
within its own sphere. Probably how the Founders thought America would work (enumerated
federal powers + reserved state powers). Also known as "layer-cake federalism."
Electoral College - Constitutional system for electing president and vice president. Each state
has electors = to number of senators + representatives (DC also has 3 because of 23rd
Amendment). Citizens of state vote for candidate. Winner gets all electoral college votes
(except Maine & Nebraska which uses proportional system). Winner of majority of electoral
college votes becomes president. If no majority then President picked by House from top 3
candidates.
Congress' Enumerated Powers - Power to tax, borrow & coin money, regulate foreign &
interstate commerce, establish army, declare war, make all laws necessary & proper for
carrying out the enumerated powers (elastic clause)
Exclusionary Rule - Evidence obtained in violation of 4th Amendment is not admissible in
criminal trial. (Weeks v. U.S., Mapp v. Ohio)
Exit Poll - A poll of voters exiting the polls (voting locations) to attempt to predict the outcome
of the election. May create a bandwagon effect.
10th Amendment - Powers not expressly given to federal government by the Constitution are
reserved to states or the people. Also known as "reserved powers amendment" or "states'
rights amendment"
13th Amendment - Abolished slavery. First of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after
Civil War (1865-70)
14th Amendment - (1) All persons born in the U.S. are citizens; (2) no person can be deprived of
life, liberty or property without DUE PROCESS OF LAW; (3) no state can deprive a person of
EQUAL PROTECTION of the laws. Second of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after
Civil War.
15th Amendment - States cannot deny any person the right to vote because of race. Third of
three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after Civil War. First Voting Rights Amendment
(with 19, 24 & 26)
16th Amendment - Power of Congress to tax income
17th Amendment - Established the direct election of senators (instead of being chosen by state
legislatures)
19th Amendment - States cannot deny the right to vote based on gender
1st Amendment - Freedom of religion (establishment & free exercise clauses), speech, press,
assembly, and petition.
22nd Amendment - Limits the president to two terms.
23rd Amendment - Gives Washington DC electoral college votes as if it were a state (DC still has
no representation in Congress)
24th Amendment - Abolishes poll taxes
26th Amendment - States cannot deny the right to vote based on age (18+)
2nd Amendment - Right to arm bears. Supported by National Rifle Association interest group &
Republican Party.
4th Amendment - No "unreasonable" searches and seizures. Exclusionary rule (Weeks v. US,
Mapp v. Ohio)
5th Amendment - (1) No Self-Incrimination (Miranda)
,(2) No Double Jeopardy (defendant cannot be tried again on the same, or similar charges)
(3) No deprivation of life liberty or property without "due process of law" (fair treatment)
6th Amendment - The right to counsel in criminal trials. Gideon v. Wainwright held that states
must provide indigent defendants with a free lawyer ("public defender"). Right to jury in
criminal trials.
7th Amendment - Right to jury in civil trials.
8th Amendment - Government cannot inflict cruel and unusual punishment. Meaning of "cruel"
based on "evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society."
Categorical bans on death penalty: juveniles, retarded, non-murder crimes...
9th Amendment - Unenumerated Rights Amendment. Citizens have unenumerated rights in
addition to those stated in the Constitution. Not been developed by Supreme Court (too open
ended)
Constitution - A nation's basic law, creates political institutions, assigns or divides power in
government and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Can be written or unwritten.
Agents of Socialization - Family (most important); TV/media (growing in importance);
friends/peers; school (formal socialization). How we develop (absorb) opinions & beliefs.
American Political Culture - A set of basic, foundational values and beliefs about government
that is shared by most citizens. Key elements: democracy, equality before the law, limited
government, capitalism & private property
Anti-Federalists - A group who opposed the ratification of the Constitution in 1787. They
opposed a strong central government (tyranny) and supported states' rights. "I smell a rat!"
Articles of Confederation - Set up the 1st independent American government (1783-88).
Nonbinding "league of friendship" among sovereign states with weak central government to
help with common defense & cooperation (like the European Union). Replaced by our current
constitution in 1788.
Bandwagon Effect - "Copy-cat" behavior. People often do things just because other people do
them. In primary elections, it is when people support the candidate everyone else seems to be
supporting (poll leaders). Leads to Primary Frontloading (states want to have the most impact in
the primary process)
Block Grants - Grants ($) given to the states by the federal government for a general purpose
(like education or road-building). Unlike categorical grants, states have discretion to decide how
to spend the money. Example = Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) (States develop
and implement welfare programs using federal money).
,Casework - Assistance given to individual constituents by congressional members, like helping
an elderly person figure out how to get Medicare benefits. Major incumbency advantage.
Categorical Grant - A grant ($) given to the states by the federal government for a specific
purpose or program. The federal government tells the states exactly how to spend the money
(no state discretion unlike block grants). Example = Medicaid. Most common type of federal
grant because it gives Congress the most control over the states.
Checks and Balances - A major principle of the American system of government. Helps maintain
separation of powers so that no one branch gets too powerful. Explained in Federalist 51.
Examples: President vetos laws; Senate confirms appointments & treaties; Congress impeaches
president & judges...
Chief Justice John Marshall - In office from 1801-1835 (longest serving CJ). Supported increased
power of federal government. Decided McCulloch v. Maryland, Gibbons v. Ogden, and Marbury
v. Madison.
Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Prohibits discrimination based on race or gender in employment or
public accommodations (restaurants, hotels). Created EEOC to enforce. Based on Congress's
interstate commerce clause power (discrimination impacts interstate commerce). The most
important federal civil rights law.
Commerce Clause - Art. 1, Sec. 8 of the Constitution (enumerated power). Congress has the
power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states ["Interstate
Commerce Clause"], and with the Indians. Interpreted by the Supreme Court very broadly
(Gibbons v. Ogden) until Lopez & Morrison.
Confederation - Nonbinding union of sovereign states (example = European Union, America
under Articles of Confederation).
Congressional Demographics - Rich highly educated white male protestant lawyers &
businessmen! Women VERY underrepresented! (<17%)
Connecticut Compromise - Solves big state-little state debate over representation in federal
legislature at Philly Convention. Created bicameral legislature with equal representation for
states in Senate and proportional representation in House (seats based on population).
Cooperative Federalism - System of federalism where federal & state governments help each
other perform governmental duties. Also known as marble-cake federalism. E.g., After
hurricanes federal and state agencies work together to provide relief. Can cause confusion
and/or conflict among among different levels of government. Best explanation of how
federalism works today (instead of dual federalism)
, Condition of Aid - A technique of fiscal federalism used by Congress to control states. Requires
states to do something in order to get the money (ex. South Dakota v. Dole, raise drinking age
21 to get highway money).
Department of Defense - Cabinet-level agency in charge of the armed forces and military policy.
HQ = The Pentagon. (Secretary Panetta)
Department of State - Cabinet-level agency in charge of foreign policy & international affairs.
(Secretary Clinton)
Descriptive Representation - The idea that politicians can only represent people like them (ex.
only women can represent women, blacks represent blacks, etc.)
Devolution Revolution - The effort to reduce the size & power of the federal government by
returning (devolving) power to the states. Associated with economic conservatives, President
Reagan & the Tea Party.
Doctrine of Implied Powers - Established by CJ Marshall in McCulloch v. Maryland. Congress has
the power to make all laws that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out its enumerated
powers. So it can create a National Bank to carry out its power to coin money. Major cause of
growth of federal power.
Dual Federalism - System of federalism that strictly separates federal power (ex. foreign
relations) and state power (ex. protect against crime). Each level of government is dominant
within its own sphere. Probably how the Founders thought America would work (enumerated
federal powers + reserved state powers). Also known as "layer-cake federalism."
Electoral College - Constitutional system for electing president and vice president. Each state
has electors = to number of senators + representatives (DC also has 3 because of 23rd
Amendment). Citizens of state vote for candidate. Winner gets all electoral college votes
(except Maine & Nebraska which uses proportional system). Winner of majority of electoral
college votes becomes president. If no majority then President picked by House from top 3
candidates.
Congress' Enumerated Powers - Power to tax, borrow & coin money, regulate foreign &
interstate commerce, establish army, declare war, make all laws necessary & proper for
carrying out the enumerated powers (elastic clause)
Exclusionary Rule - Evidence obtained in violation of 4th Amendment is not admissible in
criminal trial. (Weeks v. U.S., Mapp v. Ohio)
Exit Poll - A poll of voters exiting the polls (voting locations) to attempt to predict the outcome
of the election. May create a bandwagon effect.
