Elections that disrupt party coalitions and create new ones in a party realignment

Election coverage by the mass media that focuses on which candidate is ahead rather than on national issues

Occurs every four years and include the presidential election

Electoral district from which one person is chosen by the voters for each elected office

A process whereby voters move toward nonpartisanship thus weakening the structure of political parties

Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power

Let the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases

A process whereby voters move toward nonpartisanship thus weakening the structure of political parties

Spending authorized by law that continues without the need for annual approvals of Congress

Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power

The fact that being in office helps a person stay in office because of a variety of benefits that go with the position

The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states (New Federalism)

One party controls executive branch, and other party controls legislative branch Creates gridlock (nothing gets accomplished)

A process whereby voters move toward nonpartisanship thus weakening the structure of political parties

One party controls executive branch, and other party controls legislative branch creates gridlock. When the president is from one political party and 1 or both houses of congress are controlled by the opposing political party

Spending by PAC's, corporations, or labor unions that is done to help a party or candidate but is done independently of them

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional

Relationships among interest groups, congressional committees and subcommittees, and the government agencies that share a common policy concern

Promises made by the government to an identifiable group of people who are guaranteed benefits

A group of people with common goals who organize to influence government

The difference between the political opinions or political behavior of men and women

A presidential directive. A rule issued by the president that has the force of law

Citizen's capacity to understand and influence political events

The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actually involved in politics at any given point in time

Powers that congress has that are specifically listed in the constitution. Powers that are given to an institution of government directly in the Constitution, such as Congress's power to tax

The powers of the national government in foreign affairs that the Supreme Court has declared do not depend on constitutional grants but rather grow out of the very existence of the national government

Powers that Congress has that are NOT stated explicitly in the Constitution

Organization set up after (Citizens United v. FEC) to engage in independent electioneering. Can receive unlimited donations but cannot coordinate with a candidate. Donors can remain anonymous

A system of government where power is shared between the national government and the states in which states have some protected powers

The powers of the national government in foreign affairs that the Supreme Court has declared do not depend on constitutional grants but rather grow out of the very existence of the national government

A legislator who gives long speeches in an effort to delay or obstruct legislation that he/she opposes. A procedure used in the Senate to talk a bill to death.

An adviser to the court on some matter of law who is not a party to the case. A brief submitted by a "friend of the court"

A group of people with common goals who organize to influence government

The use of spending by the national government through the grant process to influence state policies. The federal government efforts to keep the economy stable by increasing or decreasing taxes or government spending

Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values

Impacting the economy through taxing and spending in the budget. The federal government efforts to keep the economy stable by increasing or decreasing taxes or government spending

Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling the money supply and thus interest rates

The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actually involved in politics at any given point in time

The free mail and electronic signature system used by members of congress. Benefit allowing members of congress to mail letters and other materials postage-free.

The tendency of the Democratic party to take more liberal positions and the Republican party to take more conservative positions on key issues

The tendency of men to support candidates from the Republican party at greater rates than women. The difference between the political opinions or political behavior of men and women

Committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidate(s)

The statistical characteristics of a population. Who are we? What is our makeup?(Ex. Race, Gender, Occupation, Religion, SES)

Personnel who run the White House and advise the President. Includes the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary

An election to select the person who will hold office. Occurs every four years and include the presidential election.

The congressional election that occurs midway through the president's term of office. An election in which voters select members of Congress but not the president.

Elections that disrupt party coalitions and create new ones in a party realignment. An election where new coalitions of voters have formed, beginning a new party era.

The electoral system used to select used to select members of the House of Representatives

Drawing congressional district boundaries to benefit a group, usually a political party. Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power.

Organization set up after (Citizens United v. FEC) to engage in independent electioneering. Can receive unlimited donations but cannot coordinate with a candidate. Donors can remain anonymous

The tendency of the Democratic party to take more liberal positions and the Republican party to take more conservative positions on key issues

The redrawing of congressional and other legislative district lines following the census, to accommodate population shifts and keep districts as equal as possible in population.

Ordinary citizens raising awareness for a cause and pushing the government to adopt a particular policy. Efforts by groups and associations to influence elected officials INDIRECTLY, by arousing their constituents.

The tendency of the Democratic party to take more liberal positions and the Republican party to take more conservative positions on key issues

Direct contact made by an interest group representative in order to persuade government officials to support the policies their interest group favors.

Horse race journalism

The tendency of the media to focus on which candidate is ahead and in the polls rather than focusing on the issues. Election coverage by the mass media that focuses on which candidate is ahead rather than on national issues.

Elections that disrupt party coalitions and create new ones in a party realignment

The tendency of the Democratic party to take more liberal positions and the Republican party to take more conservative positions on key issues.

Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling the money supply and thus interest rates

Powers that are necessary to carry out an expressed power in the Constitution, like the power of Congress to establish a bank. Powers that Congress has that are NOT stated explicitly in the Constitution

The powers of the national government in foreign affairs that the Supreme Court has declared do not depend on constitutional grants but rather grow out of the very existence of the national government

The portion of the federal budget that is spent on programs, such as Social Security, that the president and Congress are unwilling to cut.

Powers that congress has that are specifically listed in the constitution

An officeholder who is running for reelection.The fact that being in office helps a person stay in office because of a variety of benefits that go with the position.

The development of traditions, values, and ideologies of Americans.

A group of people with common goals who organize to influence government

The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actually involved in politics at any given point in time.

Independent expenditures

$ spent on ads that are not sponsored by a candidate or party. Spending by PAC's, corporations, or labor unions that is done to help a party or candidate but is done independently of them.

Spending by PAC's, corporations, or labor unions that is done to help a party or candidate but is done independently of them.

The federal government efforts to keep the economy stable by increasing or decreasing taxes or government spending

Spending authorized by law that continues without the need for annual approvals of Congress.

Power that are naturally derived from the duties of a specific government position. The powers of the national government in foreign affairs that the Supreme Court has declared do not depend on constitutional grants but rather grow out of the very existence of the national government

Powers that Congress has that are NOT stated explicitly in the Constitution

Electoral district from which one person is chosen by the voters for each elected office.

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional.

An Organization that advocates for polices through lobbying, electioneering, grassroots mobilization and protesting. A group of people with common goals who organize to influence government.

Committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidate(s)

A group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, and determine public policy

Organization set up after (Citizens United v. FEC) to engage in independent electioneering. Can receive unlimited donations but cannot coordinate with a candidate. Donors can remain anonymous

Issue network (Iron Triangle)

A relationship between interest groups, agencies, and congressional committees in a certain policy area. , congressional committees and subcommittees, and the government agencies that share a common policy concern

Direct contact made by an interest group representative in order to persuade government officials to support the policies their interest group favors

The process by which provisions of the Bill of Rights are brought within the scope of the Fourteenth Amendment and so applied to state and local governments

Organization set up after (Citizens United v. FEC) to engage in independent electioneering. Can receive unlimited donations but cannot coordinate with a candidate. Donors can remain anonymous

A philosophy that the supreme court should make bold new policy. Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values

Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling the money supply and thus interest rates

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional

The power of the Supreme Court to overturn a law or executive action as unconstitutional. The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional

A process whereby voters move toward non partisanship thus weakening the structure of political parties

Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values

The time during which a president who has lost an election or has ended a 2nd term is still in office before the new president serves

A claim for government funds that cannot be abridged without violating the rights of the claimant; for example, social security benefits or payments on a contract

Efforts by groups and associations to influence elected officials INDIRECTLY, by arousing their constituents

A lawsuit. A legal proceeding in a court.

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional

A view that the Constitution should be interpreted according to the original intent of the framers. Many conservatives support this view

Efforts by an interest group or individual to contact a member of congress and advocate for a particular policy. Direct contact made by an interest group representative in order to persuade government official.

Efforts by groups and associations to influence elected officials INDIRECTLY, by arousing their constituents

Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling the money supply and thus interest rates

When members of Congress trade votes for favors in order to get the bills they support passed. An arrangement in which two or more members of Congress agree in advance to support each other's bills

The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actually involved in politics at any given point in time

A primary in which any registered voter can vote, but must vote for candidates of only one party (can't split ticket)

Expenditures that the federal government is obligated to make, like entitlements, and interest on the national debt.Spending authorized by law that continues without the need for annual approvals of Congress

The portion of the federal budget that is spent on programs, such as Social Security, that the president and Congress are unwilling to cut

Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling the money supply and thus interest rates

The federal government efforts to keep the economy stable by increasing or decreasing taxes or government spending

An election in which voters select members of congress but not the president.

Occurs every four years and include the presidential election

The difference between the political opinions or political behavior of men and women

Election coverage by the mass media that focuses on which candidate is ahead rather than on national issues

Expenditures that the federal government is obligated to make, like entitlements and interest on the national debt. Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling the money supply.

The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actually involved in politics at any given point in time

The federal government efforts to keep the economy stable by increasing or decreasing taxes or government spending

The process by which provisions of the Bill of Rights are brought within the scope of the Fourteenth Amendment and so applied to state and local governments

An election to determine a party's candidate for office in which that party's members and unaffiliated voters that may vote. A primary in which any registered voter can vote, but must vote for candidates of only one party (can't split ticket)

Elections that disrupt party coalitions and create new ones in a party realignment

Election coverage by the mass media that focuses on which candidate is ahead rather than on national issues

Making judicial decisions by considering what the founding fathers meant in the constitution the framers. Many conservatives support this view

The tendency of the Democratic party to take more liberal positions and the Republican party to take more conservative positions on key issues

The fact that being in office helps a person stay in office because of a variety of benefits that go with the position

Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power

Spending by PAC's, corporations, or labor unions that is done to help a party or candidate but is done independently of them

Powers that Congress has that are NOT stated explicitly in the Constitution

An organization that is registered with the Federal Election Committee and donates $ to a candidate or campaign. a special-interest group.

A group of people with common goals who organize to influence government

Organization set up after to engage in independent electioneering. Can receive unlimited donations but cannot coordinate with a candidate. Donors can remain anonymous

A group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, and determine public policy

When political parties move farther away from each other ideologically and also move away from the center. The tendency of the Democratic party to take more liberal positions and the Republican party to take more conservative positions on key issues

Citizen's capacity to understand and influence political events

Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values

The powers of the national government in foreign affairs that the Supreme Court has declared do not depend on constitutional grants but rather grow out of the very existence of the national government

Powers that Congress has that are NOT stated explicitly in the Constitution

When a president does not sign a bill within 10 days when congress is not in session. When a President kills a bill passed during the last 10 days Congress is in session by simply refusing to act on it

An adviser to the court on some matter of law who is not a party to the case. A brief submitted by a "friend of the court"

Problems that have the attention of the government and the public.The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actually involved in politics at any given point in time

The fact that being in office helps a person stay in office because of a variety of benefits that go with the position

The shared political values of society. An overall set of values widely shared within a society.

The development of traditions, values, and ideologies of Americans.

A group of people with common goals who organize to influence government

An individual's belief that his or her political participation can make a difference.Citizen's capacity to understand and influence political events.

A group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, and determine public policy

The fact that being in office helps a person stay in office because of a variety of benefits that go with the position

A shift of voting patterns to form new coaltions of party support

AP Government Monster Vocab

Authored by Drew Decatur

History

12th Grade

Used 208+ times

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About

This quiz comprehensively covers Advanced Placement (AP) Government and Politics vocabulary, targeting grade 12 students preparing for the rigorous AP examination. The questions assess mastery of fundamental concepts across all major units of American government: constitutional foundations, federalism, political behavior and participation, political parties and interest groups, branches of government, and civil rights and liberties. Students must demonstrate deep understanding of complex governmental processes, legal principles, and political mechanisms that form the backbone of American democracy. The vocabulary spans from foundational concepts like federalism and separation of powers to sophisticated contemporary issues such as Super PACs, judicial activism, and party polarization. Success requires students to distinguish between nuanced terms like categorical versus block grants, expressed versus implied powers, and different types of judicial philosophy, demanding the analytical thinking skills essential for college-level political science. Created by Drew Decatur, a History teacher in US who teaches grade 12. This vocabulary quiz serves as an essential review tool for AP Government students mastering the extensive terminology required for exam success. Teachers can deploy this as a pre-exam review session, homework assignment for reinforcing daily lessons, or formative assessment to identify knowledge gaps before the AP test. The comprehensive scope makes it ideal for end-of-unit reviews or cumulative preparation throughout the school year. Students benefit from the multiple-choice format that mirrors AP exam structure while building confidence with high-frequency terms that appear across all AP Government free response questions. This assessment aligns with College Board standards for AP Government and Politics, specifically addressing Learning Objectives from Units 1-5 including CON-1, CON-2, PMI-1, PMI-5, PRD-1, and PRD-2, ensuring students master the political science vocabulary essential for analyzing American governmental institutions and processes.

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65 questions

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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Amicus Curiae

An argument filed with a court by an individual or group who is not a party to a lawsuit. " Friend of the Court".

A procedure used in the Senate to talk a bill to death

The free mail and electronic signature system used by members of Congress

A form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Block Grant

National law that directs state or local govts to comply with federal rules/regulations, but contain little or no federal funding to defray cost of meeting the requirements (clean air & water standards)

Federal grants given more or less automatically to states or communities to support broad programs in areas such as community development and social services

A form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states

A rule issued by the president that has the force of law

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Categorical Grants

Federal grants given more or less automatically to states or communities to support broad programs in areas such as community development and social services

The effort by congress, through hearings, investigations, and other techniques, to exercise control over the activities of executive agencies

Federal grants that can be used only for specific purposes or "categories," of state and local spending. They come with strings attached, such as nondiscrimination provisions. Compare to block grants

A theory of government that holds that open, multiple, and competing groups can check the asserted power by any one group

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Casework

An overall set of values widely shared within a society

Activities of members of congress that help constituents as individuals; cutting through bureaucratic red tape to get people what they think they have a right to get

A group of like-minded individuals who meet to select the candidate(s) they will support in the upcoming election

Order by the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up the records of a case for review

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Caucus

The right to vote

The mighty list of federal projects, grants, and contracts available to cities, businesses, colleges, and institutions available in a congressional district

A group of like-minded individuals who meet to select the candidate(s) they will support in the upcoming election

When a President kills a bill passed during the last 10 days Congress is in session by simply refusing to act on it.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Closed Primary

The only procedure by which the senate can vote to place a time limit on the consideration of a bill or other matter and there by overcome a filibuster

Benefit allowing members of congress to mail letters and other materials postage-free

An arrangement in which two or more members of Congress agree in advance to support each other's bills

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

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

3 mins • 1 pt

Cooperative federalism

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system; it is the cornerstone of the national government's relations with state and local governments. (Revenue Sharing)

A system of government in which powers and policy assignments are shared between states and the national government. They may also share costs, administration, and even blame for programs that work poorly

A form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states

Who are we? What is our makeup?(Ex. Race, Gender, Occupation, Religion, SES)

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AP Government Monster Vocab

Amicus Curiae

Block Grant

Categorical Grants

Casework

Caucus

Closed Primary

Cooperative federalism

Critical elections

Dealignment

Demographic

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