AP Government Study Guide Unit One: Constitutional Underpinnings

These flashcards contain fundamental concepts related to the constitutional foundations of American democracy.

Direct Democracy

A system in which citizens meet and vote directly on government decisions.

Representative Democracy

A political system in which citizens choose officials to make decisions on government policy.

Magna Carta

The 1215 document that was the first attempt to limit the power of the British King, guaranteeing certain rights to all people.

Enlightenment Philosophers

Thinkers like Locke and Rousseau who inspired ideas about social contract and government consent.

Social Contract Theory

The principle that individuals enter into a social contract with the government to be ruled and governed.

Consent of the Governed

The principle that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the people.

Natural Rights

The inherent rights of each person, including life, liberty, and property.

Declaration of Independence

A document authored by Thomas Jefferson, based on Enlightenment principles and justifying the American Revolution.

Common Good

The belief in doing what is best for the overall nation.

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that the ultimate authority in society rests with the people.

Majority Rule

The belief that governmental decisions should reflect the will of the majority.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States that established a weak association of independent states.

Shays' Rebellion

A rebellion by farmers in Massachusetts (1786-1787) protesting against economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong national government would lead to tyranny.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay to promote the ratification of the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures each branch of government has some measure of influence over the other branches.

Federalism

The division of powers between the federal and state governments.

Bicameralism

A legislative structure composed of two chambers, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare legislation or executive actions unconstitutional.

Full Faith and Credit

The requirement that states honor the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee individual rights.