AP exam terms

Question 1

Popular sovereignty

Answer 1

The leaders of a gov are sustained by the consent of the people, who are the source of all political legitimacy

Question 2

Pluralist democracy

Answer 2

A political system where there is more than one center of power
ex: UK

Question 3

Elite democracy

Answer 3

A small # of people, usually wealthy and well-educated, influence political decision making
ex: Electoral College

Question 4

Concurrent powers

Answer 4

Powers that are shared between the state and federal gov

Question 5

Revenue sharing

Answer 5

An arrangement between two or more parties sharing a portion of a business’s profits and losses

Question 6

Categorical grant

Answer 6

Money from the gov w/ strict limitations on spending

Question 7

Block grant

Answer 7

Money from the gov w/ wide range of spending

Question 8

Supremacy clause

Answer 8

The Constitution holds the “supreme law of the land” & takes priority over conflicting state laws

Question 9

Constituency

Answer 9

A body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body

Question 10

Budget deficiet

Answer 10

When the federal gov’s spending exceeds its revenues

Question 11

Pork barrel legislation

Answer 11

money set aside in a bill for a pet project in a congressman’s district

Question 12

Logrolling

Answer 12

One congressman votes for another congressman’s project hoping they will return the favor

Question 13

Delegate model

Answer 13

An agent of those who elected them & will vote on issues based on the issues of their constituents

Question 14

Politico model

Answer 14

Representatives act as delegates and trustees

Question 15

Roles of the president

Answer 15

Power to veto, foreign relations, bargaining, executive orders, signing statements

Question 16

Signing statement

Answer 16

inform Congress and the public of the president’s interpretation of laws passed by Congress & signed by pres

Question 17

Bully pulpit

Answer 17

A public office that provides its occupant with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue

Question 18

Iron triangles

Answer 18

Alliances of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that are prominent in specific policy areas.

Question 19

Exclusionary rule

Answer 19

Evidence illegally seized by law enforcement officers in violation of the suspect’s 4th amendment rights

Question 20

Free enterprise

Answer 20

The market determines prices, products, & services

Question 21

Keynesian economics

Answer 21

Demand strongly influences econ output and inflation

Question 22

Supply-side economics

Answer 22

Economics growth can be most effectively be fostered by lowering taxes, decreasing regulation, and allowing free trade.

Question 23

Monetary policy

Answer 23

Actions taken by the federal reserve to influence interest rates which affects broader econ conditions

Question 24

Life cycle effect

Answer 24

Experiences a person encounters during different life stages

Question 25

Proportional system

Answer 25

Any type of electoral system under which subgroups are represented proportionally

Question 26

Winner-take-all system

Answer 26

Each district has their own vote plus 2 votes for the overall popular vote winner of the state

Question 27

Political action committee

Answer 27

An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation

Question 28

Super PAC

Answer 28

AN independent PAC that can raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.

Question 29

Horse race journalism

Answer 29

Political journalism of elections with focus on polling data and public perception instead of candidate policy