The Ultimate Guide to AP United States Government and Politics (copy)

What was the core belief of Thomas Hobbes regarding government?

People cannot govern themselves; a monarch with absolute power is necessary for protection.

In John Locke's philosophy, what are considered natural rights?

Life, liberty, and property.

What did Charles de Montesquieu advocate for in government structure?

Separation of powers into three branches of government.

According to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, what are humans born with?

Humans are born good but corrupted by society.

What concept does 'popular sovereignty' refer to?

Government power derives from the consent of the governed.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

What major issue was highlighted by Shays' Rebellion?

The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a strong central government.

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

To address issues with the Articles of Confederation and create the Constitution.

Name one feature of the Great Compromise.

A bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

What was the significance of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

It determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation in Congress.

What power was granted to Congress regarding legislation?

The power to make laws and levy taxes.

What principle was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

Judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to overturn laws.

What is federalism?

A system of government where power is shared between national and state governments.

What did McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) assert regarding the supremacy clause?

Federal laws take precedence over state laws.

What does the 10th Amendment state?

Powers not granted to the federal government are reserved for the states.

What is the role of the legislative branch as defined in the Constitution?

To make laws.

What is the process by which a Constitutional amendment is proposed?

Must be proposed by 2/3 of both houses of Congress.

What are the roles of the President in the legislative process?

Veto laws and approve bills passed by Congress.

What were the Federalist Papers?

A series of articles written to promote the ratification of the Constitution.

What main argument did Anti-Federalists make against the Constitution?

It would threaten individual liberties and create a central government too powerful.

What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect citizen rights from government infringement.

What concept describes the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches?

Separation of powers.

What is 'judicial activism'?

When judges are willing to overturn precedent or create new law.

In which case did the Supreme Court establish the right to privacy?

Griswold v. Connecticut.

What was a major outcome of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

School segregation was declared unconstitutional.

What is the purpose of interest groups?

To influence legislation and policy based on specific interests.

How does public opinion influence politics?

It shapes policy decisions and election outcomes.

What system of voting is described as 'party-line voting'?

Voting strictly for candidates of one political party.

What is 'gerrymandering'?

Drawing district boundaries to benefit a particular political party.

What amendment abolished poll taxes?

The 24th Amendment.

What role do lobbyists play in government?

Lobbyists influence legislators and public policy on behalf of interest groups.

What is the function of the Electoral College?

To formally elect the president and vice president of the United States.

What is 'split-ticket voting'?

Voting for candidates from different parties for different offices.

What economic theory suggests that government should minimize intervention in the economy?

Laissez-faire economics.

What is the primary role of the President in foreign policy?

To negotiate treaties and act as the Commander in Chief.

What is the 'Great Society'?

A set of domestic programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice.

What does the term 'civil liberties' refer to?

Protections against government actions that infringe on individual rights.

What landmark case addressed the issue of students' rights to free speech in schools?

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969).

What does the term 'enumerated powers' refer to?

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

What is the primary responsibility of the federal bureaucracy?

To implement and administer federal laws and policies.

What is a 'majority-minority district'?

A congressional district in which a majority of the constituents are members of a racial or ethnic minority.

What is the difference between 'hard money' and 'soft money' in campaign finance?

Hard money is regulated contributions directly to candidates, while soft money is unregulated contributions to political parties.

What was the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

It aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans.

What is meant by 'political socialization'?

The process by which individuals develop their political attitudes and beliefs.

What is the primary purpose of a primary election?

To select a party's candidate for the general election.

What does 'home rule' refer to in the context of state governments?

The power of a local government to govern itself with minimal state interference.

What did the Pendleton Act (1883) reform in the United States?

It established a merit-based system for federal employment and reduced the influence of the spoils system.

What is 'affirmative action'?

Policies that aim to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

What clause prohibits states from infringing upon the rights established in the Bill of Rights?

The Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

What case established the precedent for the 'clear and present danger' test?

Schenck v. United States (1919).

What does the term 'direct democracy' refer to?

A form of democracy where citizens directly participate in decision-making.

Which principle allows the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional?

Judicial review.

What is the significance of the 14th Amendment?

It guarantees equal protection under the law and addresses citizenship rights.

What is a 'brokered convention'?

A convention where no candidate has received a majority of delegates and the party must choose a nominee.

What is the role of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

To regulate campaign finance and ensure compliance with federal election laws.

What does the term 'public opinion poll' mean?

Surveys that measure the public's attitudes towards political issues and candidates.

What does the concept of 'checks and balances' entail?

Ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with some measure of influence over the other branches.

What is the incoming term for a vote requiring over half of participants for approval?

Majority vote.

What is 'incrementalism' in policy making?

A slow, step-by-step approach to policy development.

What is the 'Iron Triangle' in politics?

The relationship between bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups.

What Supreme Court case declared that corporations have the same rights as individuals?

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010).