AP GOV UNIT 1: Foundations of American Democracy

Democracy

System of government where power is held by the people

Social Contract

Contract where the people allow their governments to rule over them by exchanging certain rights to ensure order, and government safety, and security

Popular Sovereignty

Government’s right to rule comes from the people

Republicanism

Government authority comes from the people through their representatives

D. o. I.

“Break up” letter from the colonies to Great Britain announcing that Britain has broken the social contract between the governed and government, as well as a list of grievances/abuses by the king (violating natural rights).

Participatory Democracy

Citizens have the power to participate in politics and make policy decisions

Pluralism/Pluralist Democracy

Policy making is open to groups made up of people with shared interests (Interest groups), with no single group dominating

Elitism/Elitist Democracy

Policy making is influenced by an upper-class elite majority, regardless of governmental organization

Federalist 10

A diverse republic with a representative government can control the dangers of factions (self-interested groups) by preventing domination, protecting minority rights, and promoting compromise. Federalists = strong central government is needed, support the ratification of the constitution

Brutus 1

Anti-Federalist (oppose strong central government because they threaten state power and individual liberties) essay arguing against the ratification of the Constitution because it created a strong centralized government, threatening individual liberties and state sovereignty

Filibuster

Action designed to prolong debate and delay/prevent something: Old and in the way

Unicameral

One-House legislature

Writ of Habeas Corpus

People have the right to know the charges against them (Show me the body/Enseñame el cuerpo)

Bills of Attainder

When legislation throws someone in jail without a trial (Prohibited by the constitution)

Ex post facto laws

Laws punishing people for something that wasn’t a crime at the time it was committed (post fact/after the fact) (prohibited by the constitution).

The Great Compromise (Connecticut)

House of Representatives (Members chosen by the citizens, represent according to state population), and the Senate (2 senators per state (equal representation), members are chosen by state legislators)

Electoral College

Provide the selection of the President by electors chosen by state parties, winner take all.

1808 Clause

Congress couldn’t prohibit or discuss the importation of enslaved people until 1808

Federalism

The sharing of power between state and national government

Checks and Balances

Government branches keep each other in check to avoid making one too powerful

Fiscal Federalism

The federal government’s use of grants in aid to influence state policies.

Dual/ Layer Cake Federalism

States and national government operate independently in their own areas of public policy; neat divide between fed. and state government with no interference

Creative/ Marble/ Cooperative Federalism

State and Federal government work together in a flexible relationship with undefined roles to shape public policy

Unitary System

Central government has all the power over subnational/state governments

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Congress has the necessary power to carry out its enumerated powers

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must respect and honor public acts, records, and judicial decisions of other states

Extradition Clause

If someone is charged with a big/serious crime in one state, and then leaves to another state, the state where the crime occurred can request their return (extradition) for justice

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Citizens of each state are entitled to equal and fair central fundamental rights. A non-citizen in the state has a disadvantage/exceptions (tuition, gun/hunting licenses, taxing)

Supremacy Clause

Constitutional and all laws and treaties are the supreme power and law of the land

Federalist 51

“Men are not angels”, Government is necessary to keep all of us in check. The constitution’s structure creates checks and balances to prevent government abuse and tyranny, continuing the preservation of liberty (ensuring justice)

Categorial Grants

Grant from the federal government to local/state governments with strict regulations as to what the money can be used for

Block Grants

From the federal government to local/state governments where they can allocate to a wide range of services (broad with a few strings attached).

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Congress has implied powers necessary to implement its enumerated powers and established supremacy of the constitution. Supremacy of federal law over state law

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Congress power is not unlimited: Introduces a new phase of federalism, recognizing the importance of state sovereignty and local control

Constitutional Republic

Democratic system with elected representatives where the Constitution is the supreme law.

Republic

Government ruled by representatives of the people