AP gov--unit 2 (constitution, DofI, AofC, Federalist 10/51/70/78, Brutus I)

declaration of independence main ideas

people should be allowed to overthrow government if it isn’t protecting their rights, all people are equal and have natural rights, there are many grievances the king/British have committed against Americans, and they officially cut ties with all British government and will go to war if necessary

declaration of independence preamble

introduces the purpose and states that people have the right to overthrow their government if it isn’t protecting their natural rights

declaration of independence declaration of rights

states that all people are equal and have the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness

declaration of independence bill of indictment

the longest section of the DofI, lists all the grievances Americans had towards the king and British government

declaration of independence statement of independence

officially declares the independence of America from all British government and states that they will go to war if necessary

articles of confederation

created a weak central US government composed of representatives from each state

what could the government in the AofC do?

declare war, appoint military officers and foreign ambassadors, sign treaties, and make alliances

what couldn’t the government in AofC do?

tax states or borrow money

brutus 1 main idea

argues that a Federalist government like that described in the constitution is dangerous as it will infringe on states’ rights and individual liberties, corrupt society, and the country is too big for such a government

federalist 10 main ideas

explains what factions are and their dangers, that the causes cannot be eliminated without taking away rights, so the effects must be controlled through a strong republican, representative government; this way factious ideas can’t spread far enough to be dangerous

federalist 51 main ideas

explains the system of checks and balances and separation of powers laid out in the constitution that prevent too much power given to one branch which will protect against power greed of political leaders and benefits the common population

federalist 70 main ideas

explains how the constitutional government with one president allows for more efficiency than an executive branch with many in charge (like the AofC) while differing from a monarch/dictator because of the balance provided by the legislature; also argues the importance of a strong, dependable president

federalist 78 main ideas

explains the judicial review system set up by the constitution and its benefits; the importance that the judges declaring laws unconstitutional are a separate branch from the legislature creating the laws; also states that lifelong terms for judges prevent biases

1st amendment

freedom of speech, press, assembly/petitioning, and religion

2nd amendment

right to keep and bear arms

3rd amendment

protection against soldiers being quartered in homes

4th amendment

protection against unreasonable search and seizure; probable cause necessary for a warrant

5th amendment

due process of law, protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy; pleading the fifth/Miranda rights

6th amendment

right to attorney, informed and impartial jury, and a speedy trial

7th amendment

right to trial by jury in civil cases

8th amendment

protection from excessive bails/fines and cruel/unusual punishment

9th amendment

states that the rights expressed in the Constitution shouldn’t be interpreted to mean people don’t retain other rights as well; interpreted to give the right to privacy, travel, autonomy, etc.

10th amendment

all rights not given to the federal government in the Constitution belong to the states/people

11th amendment

citizens cannot sue a state other than their own

12th amendment

president and VP elected as a pair instead of winner and runner up; if no clear winner, House chooses president and Senate chooses VP

13th amendment

outlaws slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime

14th amendment

birthright citizenship; equal protection under the law and no deprivation of life/liberty/property without due process of law

15th amendment

voting rights regardless of race

16th amendment

congress allowed to levy income taxes and need not base it on states’ population

17th

popular vote of senators in that state every 6 years (instead of legislators voting); states determine how to fill vacancies until an election can take place

18th amendment

prohibits manufacturing/sale/transport of intoxicating liquors

19th amendment

women’s suffrage

20th amendment

sets dates for inauguration (Jan 3rd for Congress and 20th for pres/VP); Congress assembles Jan 3rd every year

21st amendment

ends prohibition, alcohol regulations up to individual states

22nd amendment

limits president and VP to serving 2 terms max

23rd amendment

gives Washington DC residents right to vote

24th amendment

eliminates all poll taxes in federal elections

25th amendment

VP becomes president if the president dies/resigns/is removed

26th amendment

lowers voting age to 18 for all elections (instead of being up to states)

27th amendment

laws changing congress’ salaries don’t take effect until next election/term