ap gov unit 1 study guide

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Participatory Democracy

A form of democracy that emphasizes broad participation of citizens in politics and civil society.

Pluralist Democracy

A model where many interest groups compete to influence policy, ensuring no one group dominates.

Elite Democracy

A model where a small, wealthy, or educated group holds the most political power.

Purpose of Declaration of Independence

To formally declare independence from Britain and explain the reasons for separation.

Arguments in Declaration of Independence

The king violated the colonists' rights, so they had the right to revolt and form a new government.

Enlightenment Thinkers Influencing Declaration

John Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu inspired ideas like natural rights, social contract, and limited government.

Social Contract

An agreement where people give up some freedom in exchange for protection of natural rights by the government.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that political power belongs to the people.

Limited Government

The idea that government power is restricted by law to protect individual rights.

Natural Rights

Basic rights that all people are born with, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Republicanism

A form of government where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Purpose of Articles of Confederation

America's first national government after independence.

Representation in Articles of Confederation

Each state had one vote in Congress, regardless of size.

Powers under Articles of Confederation

Could declare war, make treaties, and run the post office, but couldn't tax or regulate trade.

Main Problems with Articles of Confederation

Weak federal government, no power to tax, no military, no national court system.

Event in 1786 showing weakness of Articles

Shays' Rebellion exposed the inability of the federal government to maintain order.

Original Purpose of Constitutional Convention (1787)

To revise the Articles of Confederation.

Writer of the Constitution Framework

James Madison, known as the 'Father of the Constitution.'

Virginia Plan (Representation)

Representation in Congress based on state population (favored large states).

New Jersey Plan (Representation)

Equal representation for each state (favored small states).

The Great Compromise

Combined both plans—House based on population, Senate with 2 reps per state.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted 3 out of every 5 enslaved people for taxation and representation.

Importation of Slaves Compromise

Congress could not ban the slave trade until 1808.

Electoral College Compromise

Created a system where electors chosen by states vote for President.

Purpose of the Preamble

States the goals and purposes of the Constitution.

Article I

Legislative Branch

Article II

Executive Branch

Article III

Judicial Branch

Article IV

Relations among states

Article V

Amendment process

Article VI

Supremacy Clause and national debts

Article VII

Ratification of the Constitution

Number of Federal Government Branches

Three—Legislative, Executive, Judicial

Papers Supporting Constitution Ratification

The Federalist Papers

Expressed Powers

Powers clearly listed in the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not stated but allowed through the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that punishes actions retroactively; banned by the Constitution.

Bill of Attainder

A law that punishes a person without a trial; unconstitutional.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A right to be told why you're being held and to challenge unlawful detention.

Federalist No. 10 Summary

Argues a large republic helps control factions and protect minority rights.

Brutus No. 1 Summary

Warns that a strong central government threatens individual freedoms.

Federalist No. 51 Summary

Explains the need for checks and balances and separation of powers.

1st Amendment

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in homes without consent.

4th Amendment

Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

Right to due process, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination.

6th Amendment

Right to a speedy and public trial with an impartial jury.

7th Amendment

Right to a jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment or excessive bail.

9th Amendment

Rights not listed in the Constitution are still protected.

10th Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or people.

Separation of Powers

Divides government responsibilities into 3 branches.

Checks and Balances

Each branch can limit the powers of the other branches.

Federalism

A system where power is shared between national and state governments.

Limited Government (Principle)

Government must obey the law and protect citizens' rights.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution and federal laws are the highest law of the land.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must respect each other's laws, court rulings, and records.

Federal Powers

Powers only the national government has (e.g., coin money, declare war).

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by federal and state governments (e.g., taxing, building roads).

Reserved Powers

Powers given only to the states (e.g., education, marriage laws).

Dual Federalism

Clear division of state and national powers ("layer cake" federalism).

Cooperative Federalism

Federal and state governments work together ("marble cake" federalism).

Fiscal Federalism

Federal government uses money (grants) to influence state policies.

Revenue Sharing

Federal government gives money to states with no strings attached.

Categorical Grants

Federal money given for a specific purpose with strict rules.

Block Grants

Federal money given for broad purposes with more state flexibility.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause; struck down Gun-Free School Zones Act.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established implied powers and ruled states cannot tax the federal government.