Foundations of American Democracy - AP U.S. Government & Politics Unit 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Foundations of American Democracy notes.

Natural rights

Fundamental rights of all humans not granted by government; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Unalienable rights

Rights that cannot be taken away; natural rights that every person possesses.

Social contract

Agreement among people to form a government that secures these rights.

Popular sovereignty

The people are the source of governmental power; governments derive authority from the governed.

Participatory democracy

A system emphasizing broad citizen participation and active involvement in politics and civil society.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-federalist argument that power should reside with the people and local governments are more democratic.

Anti-federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored states’ rights and a Bill of Rights.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a stronger central government.

Republicanism

A representative form of government where citizens elect representatives to make policy.

Pluralist democracy

A theory that politics is influenced by many groups; groups compete to influence policy.

Elite democracy

A theory that citizen participation is limited or filtered; elites make many major decisions.

Constitution

The fundamental framework document of the U.S. government outlining structure, powers, and limits.

Federalism

Division of power between national, state, and local governments.

Separation of powers

Division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and balances

Each branch can limit the others to prevent the concentration of power.

Enumerated powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Delegated powers

Powers given to the federal government; includes enumerated powers and others under the Constitution.

Reserved powers

Powers kept by the states under the 10th Amendment.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments.

10th Amendment

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

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution; created a weak national government with no executive or judiciary and states' sovereignty.

Shays’ Rebellion

1786–87 uprising; highlighted weaknesses of the Articles and spurred calls for a stronger central government.

Great Compromise

Created bicameral Congress: House based on population and Senate with two members per state; revenue bills originate in the House.

3/5 Compromise

Slaves counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

Electoral College

Body that selects the president; a compromise between direct election and congressional selection.

Federalist No. 10

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

Federalist No. 51

Advocates checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent tyranny.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Supreme Court ruling that upheld federal supremacy and implied powers; established national bank.

Commerce Clause

Constitutes Congress’s power to regulate interstate commerce; modern interpretation broadens federal power.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Gives Congress the power to enact laws needed to exercise enumerated powers; expands federal power.

Supremacy Clause

Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land over state laws.

14th Amendment

Citizenship and due process; incorporation of Bill of Rights to apply to the states (selective incorporation).

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; requires probable cause for warrants.

Amendment process

Constitution can be amended by proposal in Congress or state legislatures (2/3) and ratification by 3/4 of the states.

Consent of the governed

Legitimacy of government derived from the people’s consent.

Declaration of Independence

Founding document asserting natural rights, equality, and government derives power from the people.