AP US Government Comprehensive Review

These flashcards are designed to help students review key concepts, terms, and cases related to the AP US Government exam.

What are the key ideas of the Enlightenment period that influenced American government?

Social Contract, Natural Rights, Popular Sovereignty, and Republicanism.

What is the purpose of the Social Contract in government?

It signifies a contract between the government and the governed, where individuals give up some rights for protection.

Which three philosophers are noted for their influence during the Enlightenment?

John Locke, John-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Hobbes.

What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

Congress could not levy taxes, which left the national government underfunded.

What did Shay’s Rebellion highlight about the Articles of Confederation?

It highlighted the weaknesses of the national government and its inability to maintain order.

What does Federalism refer to in the context of American democracy?

The distribution of power between national, state, and local governments.

What is the significance of the Necessary and Proper Clause?

It allows Congress to create laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

What principle does the Tenth Amendment emphasize?

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states.

Who were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

Federalists supported a strong national government; Anti-Federalists opposed it, fearing too much central power.

What was the Great Compromise?

It merged the Virginia and New Jersey plans, creating a bicameral legislature.

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise establish?

Each enslaved person was counted as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

What is the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland?

It established the principle of implied powers and confirmed the supremacy of federal law.

How does the Commerce Clause empower the federal government?

It allows the government to regulate interstate commerce.

What was the outcome of United States v. Lopez?

The Supreme Court ruled that possessing a gun in a school zone was not an economic activity under the Commerce Clause.

What right does the Second Amendment protect?

The right to keep and bear arms.

What does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibit?

It prohibits the government from establishing a religion.

What was the key ruling in Brown v. Board of Education?

Segregation in public schools is inherently unequal and violates the Equal Protection Clause.

What are the main roles of media as a linkage institution?

Gatekeeper, Scorekeeper, Watchdog, and Agenda Setter.

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

An organization that raises money to elect candidates or to oppose candidates.

What is the significance of Citizens United v. FEC?

It ruled that corporate and union spending in elections is protected under the First Amendment.

What does the term 'gerrymandering' refer to?

The intentional manipulation of district boundaries to favor one political party.

What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965 known for?

It banned discriminatory practices that disenfranchised African American voters.

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect individual liberties and rights from government infringement.

How are amendments to the Constitution proposed?

By a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or by a convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures.

What role do interest groups play in the policy-making process?

They lobby Congress to influence legislation in their favor.

What is the purpose of the 'Push Poll'?

To sway public opinion by asking leading questions.