AP GoPo Unit 1 Foundations: Democracy and the Constitution

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on American Government and Politics, focusing on democracy, the Constitution, and political philosophies.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

Constitutional Republic

A form of government in which representatives are elected by the people and the Constitution serves as the supreme law.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its laws in exchange for protection and the benefits of social order.

Federalists

Supporters of the proposed Constitution during the ratification debates who favored a strong national government.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the proposed Constitution who favored stronger state governments and feared the loss of individual and state rights.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with powers to limit the others.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing essential rights and liberties to individuals.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that allowed southern states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population for representation purposes in Congress.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered on the idea of a government where representatives are elected by the citizenry.