AP Gov: Unit 1 Study Guide

Fernando Anaya

Impeachment Process

The procedure by which the Senate holds a trial to remove a president or federal judge, requiring a 2/3 vote for removal.

Social Contract Theory

The idea that people create a government to protect their rights.

Participatory Democracy

A form of democracy where citizens directly engage in decision-making and policies affecting their lives.

Pluralist Democracy

A democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in policy-making, where competition prevents the majority from oppressing the minority.

Elitist Democracy

A form of democracy characterized by limited political participation, dominated by the wealthy and those with high status.

Federalist 10

A paper arguing that a larger republic makes it harder for people to unite under a common goal, preventing a majority from forming.

Federalist 51

A paper emphasizing that separation of powers and checks and balances limit governmental power.

Brutus 1

An essay highlighting the advantages of a small, decentralized republic.

Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate

The conflict between Federalists who supported a strong central government and Anti-Federalists who opposed the Constitution and favored states' rights.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Features such as a single branch of government, inability to enforce laws, lack of power to tax, and requirements for unanimous votes for amendments.

Shays' Rebellion

A revolt led by Daniel Shays involving indebted farmers attacking courts that were foreclosing on their farms.

Amendment Proposal Process

Requires a 2/3 vote in both Houses of Congress to propose an amendment and ¾ of state legislatures to ratify it.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a government with three branches and a bicameral legislature based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for a government with three branches, a unicameral legislature, and equal representation for each state.

Great Compromise

The agreement to create a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with two representatives per state.

3/5’s Plan

The agreement that slaves would be counted as 3/5ths of a person for representation in Congress.

Checks and Balances

The system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the others.

Enumerated (Expressed) Powers

Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are held by the states.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the federal government and the states.

Federalism

The division of powers between national, state, and local governments.

Dual Federalism

A system where federal and state governments operate independently within their own spheres of authority.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where federal and state governments share responsibilities and collaborate on policy implementation.

U.S v Lopez

A Supreme Court case that limited congressional power under the commerce clause and emphasized state sovereignty.

McCulloch v Maryland

A Supreme Court case that affirmed Congress's implied powers and established the supremacy of federal law over state law.