The Ultimate Guide to AP United States Government and Politics (copy)

What were the Enlightenment philosophies that influenced the Framers of American Democracy?

Ideas such as reason over tradition, social contracts, and natural rights from philosophers like John Locke and Montesquieu.

What was Thomas Hobbes' view of government as presented in Leviathan?

He believed that people could not govern themselves and that an absolute monarch would best protect life.

What are John Locke's natural rights according to his Second Treatise on Civil Government?

Life, liberty, and property, which must be protected by the government.

What is the concept of 'separation of powers' as proposed by Charles de Montesquieu?

The division of government into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial, to prevent abuse of power.

What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocate regarding human nature and society?

He argued that people are born good but corrupted by society and should act for the greater good.

What is participatory democracy?

A form of democracy emphasizing broad participation in politics and society.

Define pluralist democracy.

A type of democracy characterized by group-based activism by citizens with common interests.

What does elite democracy refer to?

A political system where the educated or wealthy have more influence, discouraging participation by the majority.

What is the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To formally declare war against Great Britain and list grievances against King George III.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Inability to impose taxes, lack of national military, no federal currency, and required unanimous consent to amend.

Describe the significance of Shays’ Rebellion.

It exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and demonstrated the need for a strong central government.

What was the main outcome of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

The creation of the United States Constitution which established a stronger federal government.

What did the Great Compromise establish?

A bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate providing equal representation.

What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?

It counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation and taxation.

What are the roles of the President in the United States government?

Serves as Chief Executive, Commander in Chief, and Head of State, among other responsibilities.

What is judicial review, and how was it established?

The power of the Supreme Court to overturn laws; established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

According to Federalist No. 10, what does Madison argue about factions?

He argues that a large republic can prevent any single faction from dominating.

What did the 14th Amendment accomplish?

It granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born in the U.S.

What is the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

It aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans and ensured federal oversight of voter registration.

What does the term 'political socialization' refer to?

The process by which individuals develop their political attitudes and beliefs.

What are the two major political parties in the United States?

The Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

What is a PAC (Political Action Committee)?

An organization that raises and spends money to elect or defeat candidates, usually aligned with a specific interest.

What does the Electoral College do?

It formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States based on majority electoral votes from the states.

What is the concept of federalism?

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states).

What is the role of the Supreme Court in the American judicial system?

To interpret the Constitution, adjudicate legal disputes, and review laws and executive actions.

Explain the term 'checks and balances.'

A system that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch some measure of influence over the others.

What are civil liberties?

Fundamental individual rights protected from government interference.

What does the term 'civil rights' describe?

The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and not be discriminated against.