AP GOV ALLUNIT

1. Describe the overall trend in entitlement and defense spending as shares of the federal budget from 1962 to present.

Entitlement spending has steadily increased, while defense spending has declined as a share of the budget.

2. A state government places security cameras facing a popular protest site in a public square. What tension in American democracy does this scenario illustrate?

It shows the tension between civil liberties (privacy and free expression) and public order/security.

3. Compare the Federalist and Anti‑Federalist views on the relationship between the size of a republic and the protection of individual freedoms.

Federalists believed a large republic protects liberty through pluralism; Anti‑Federalists feared it weakens representation and threatens freedom.

4. What is the relationship between interest groups and the U.S. Congress?

Interest groups influence Congress through lobbying and campaign support; Congress relies on them for expertise and voter connections.

5. Why do third parties rarely win elections in the United States?

Because of single‑member districts and winner‑take‑all elections, which discourage minor‑party success.

6. When a case is appealed to the Supreme Court, what is the most likely outcome?

Most petitions are denied; the Court hears few cases, showing its selective, precedent‑setting role.

7. In McCulloch v. Maryland, Chief Justice Marshall upheld two specific constitutional provisions. Identify both and explain how each applied to the case.

Necessary and Proper Clause (implied powers justify national bank) and Supremacy Clause (states cannot tax federal institutions).

9. Identify two structural differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate.

House: 435 members, 2‑year terms, strict rules. Senate: 100 members, 6‑year terms, filibuster allowed. Reflects majoritarian vs. deliberative roles.

10. Explain Hamilton’s argument against including a Bill of Rights in the Constitution.

He feared listing rights would imply government power to limit unlisted ones.

11. Identify one form of expression protected by the First Amendment and one that is not protected.

Protected: symbolic speech (flag burning). Not protected: obscenity or true threats.

12. The Senate majority is unhappy with a series of Supreme Court rulings. What realistic action can the Senate take to limit the Court’s impact?

Change jurisdiction or confirm new justices; cannot overturn decisions directly.

13. What is a linkage institution? Identify two examples and explain how each connects citizens to the political system.

Institutions that connect people to government — e.g., media (information) and political parties (mobilization).

15. Chief Justice Roberts described Roe v. Wade as “the settled law of the land.” What legal doctrine was he invoking?

Stare decisis — respect for precedent to maintain stability and legitimacy.

16. How does the Constitution directly address Washington’s concern about the “spirit of encroachment”?

Through separation of powers and checks and balances preventing one branch from dominating.

17. Explain the concept of agenda‑setting and how the media can influence public opinion.

Media shapes what issues people think about by emphasizing certain topics, not by dictating opinions.

18. A House member’s bill has been stuck in committee for 36 days. What procedural tool can the representative use?

Discharge petition — 218 signatures to force the bill to the floor.

19. Brutus 1 (1787) is considered a foundational Anti‑Federalist text. What were the main concerns?

Fear of consolidated power, loss of local control, and weak representation in a large republic.

20. Explain the doctrine of selective incorporation.

Using the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause, the Court applies Bill of Rights protections to states case‑by‑case.

21. What specific approach did President Johnson propose to address failings in public education?

Federal leadership and expert collaboration — reflects Great Society belief in active government solving social issues.

23. Distinguish between the president’s formal and informal powers.

Formal: commander‑in‑chief. Informal: executive orders or persuasion. Formal = legal; informal = political.

24. Describe a modern political scenario that best illustrates Washington’s concern about the “spirit of party.”

Partisan gridlock or refusal to confirm nominees purely for party reasons.

25. Why might a president choose to issue a signing statement rather than veto a bill?

To interpret or challenge parts of a law without rejecting the entire bill.

26. What barrier to political participation did the Twenty‑Fourth Amendment eliminate?

Poll tax — expanded access for low‑income and Black voters.

27. Compare the constitutional significance of McCulloch v. Maryland and United States v. Lopez.

McCulloch expanded federal power; Lopez limited it, restoring state sovereignty.

28. Which racial or ethnic group is projected to see the largest increase by 2060?

Latinos; White‑alone population will decline below 50%.

29. What informal power does the president have to push back against a Supreme Court ruling?

Can refuse enforcement or advocate constitutional amendment — risky and limited.

30. A liberal lawmaker and a conservative lawmaker are debating healthcare policy. What position would each most likely take?

Liberals favor government‑provided access (equality); conservatives favor market‑based solutions (individual liberty).

31. Identify one key structural difference between the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution regarding the legislature.

Articles: unicameral, equal state votes. Constitution: bicameral, proportional + equal representation — strengthened national legislature.

32. A student wants to wear a T‑shirt protesting a school board decision. Which landmark Supreme Court case would protect this form of expression?

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) — protects student expression unless it disrupts learning.

33. What is a likely political consequence of packing voters into a district?

Creates safe districts, reduces competition, and weakens minority representation.

34. Describe the core difference between conservative and liberal views on the role of government in addressing economic inequality.

Conservatives favor limited government and market outcomes; liberals support government programs to reduce inequality.