AP United States Government and Politics Final Study Guide

Flashcards reviewing American Democracy, Branches of Government, Civil Liberties, Political Ideologies, and Political Participation

What is a Social Contract?

The idea that people agree to form a government and follow its rules in exchange for protection and order.

What are Natural Rights?

Basic freedoms that all people have just by being human, such as life, liberty, and property. These rights exist before governments and cannot be taken away.

What were the Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Gave most of the power to the states, no power to tax, no chief executive, no national judiciary, no power to regulate interstate foreign commerce, no national currency.

What are the Separation of Powers?

Legislature (Congress) - Makes the laws, Executive (President) - Enforces the laws, and Judiciary (Courts) - Interprets the laws

What are Checks and Balances?

A system where each branch of government has the power to limit or control the actions of the other branches

What is Federalism?

The sharing of powers between the national government and State governments.

What is the Declaration of Independence?

A formal statement by the American colonies declaring their separation from British rule. It outlined grievances against King George III and emphasized natural rights—"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

What is the U.S. Constitution?

It Creates three branches of government, Defines basic rights and freedoms, Explains how laws are made and enforced, and Can be updated through amendments.

What is the main idea of Federalist No. 10?

James Madison wants to protect the citizens from the tyranny of the majority, in order to protect the rights of the minority in government.

What is the main idea of Brutus No.1?

It represents the Anti-Federalist point of view of the constitution and the fact that they want to have a weaker federal government in order to not hinder states rights, as well as the creation of the bill of rights,

What was the issue in McCulloch v Maryland (1819)?

Addressed the Necessary and Proper Clause and whether Congress had the power to create a national bank.

What was the issue in United States v. Lopez (1995)?

Dealt with the Commerce Clause and whether Congress had the authority to regulate guns in schools.

What is Republicanism?

The idea that people elect representatives to make decisions for them in government

What is Pluralist Democracy?

A model of democracy in which no one group dominates politics and organized groups compete with each other to influence policy.

What are the Specific powers of congress spelled out in Article 1,section 8?

Enumerated Powers

What are Implied Powers?

Powers that the federal government has, even though they are not directly stated in the U.S. Constitution and stem from the Necessary and Proper Clause in Article I, Section 8

What are Reserved Powers?

The power kept by the states. AKA powers that the constitution does NOT provide to the federal government, such as running elections, creating marriage laws, and regulating schools.

What are Block Grants?

Large sums of money given by the federal government to state or local governments for broad purposes.

What are Categorical Grants?

Federal funds given to state or local governments for specific purposes.

What was James Madison's (Federalist 10) argument?

Supports a large republic to control factions, arguing that a diverse population prevents any one group from taking over.

What was the Anti-Federalists (Brutus 1) argument?

Opposes a strong central government. Believes a small republic is better for protecting individual rights and preventing government tyranny.

How did U.S. v. Lopez limited federal power?

Ruled that Congress overstepped its power under the Commerce Clause by trying to regulate guns in schools. This limited federal authority and strengthened states’ rights.

What is the Structure of congress?

Bicameral legislature, meaning there are two houses of congress, the senate and the house of representatives.

What is the Role of the President?

Enforces laws, leads the military, manages foreign policy, influences legislation, and represents the country.

What is Judicial Review?

The Supreme Court’s power to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

What is SCOTUS Independence?

The Supreme Court remains free from political pressure. Justices serve for life, ensuring they make decisions based on the law, not public opinion or election.

What is the Role of Bureaucracy?

The part of the government that implements laws and enforces regulations. It consists of departments, agencies, and commissions that handle everything from education to national security.

What is the main idea of Federalist 51?

To provide safeguards to the people, including against abuse in power and maintain the separation of powers among the different branches of government.

What is the main idea of Federalist 70?

A single, strong president is necessary for executive and efficient government leadership. and emphasizes the need for energy , unity and responsibility in the executive to protect national interests and maintain a well-functioning government.

What is the main idea of Federalist 78?

The judiciary should be the weakest branch because it has no power over money or military. It supports judicial review, meaning courts can strike down unconstitutional laws, ensuring the Constitution remains the highest authority

What did Baker v. Carr (1961) rule?

Ruled that redistricting is a justiciable issue, meaning courts can review cases about unfair voting district maps.

What did Shaw v. Reno (1993) rule?

Rules that racial gerrymandering—drawing voting districts based mainly on race—could violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

What did Marbury v. Madison (1803) establish?

Established judicial review, meaning the Supreme Court can strike down unconstitutional laws. This case strengthened the judiciary by ensuring courts could check the powers of Congress and the president

What is a Filibuster?

A tactic used in the U.S. Senate to delay or block a vote by prolonging debate. It allows a minority of senators to prevent legislation from passing unless a supermajority (60 votes) ends the debate

What is an Executive Order?

A directive issued by the President of the United States to manage the operations of the federal government

What is Judicial Activism?

When courts take an active role in shaping laws and policies by making bold rulings that go beyond strict legal interpretation.

What is Judicial Restraint?

A philosophy where judges limit their power by following precedent and interpreting laws narrowly.

What is Discretionary Authority?

Refers to the power given to government agencies to make decisions and take actions based on their expertise and judgment.

What is Congressional Oversight?

The power of Congress to monitor and review the actions of the executive branch and federal agencies. It ensures accountability and prevents misuse of power.

What is the Bully Pulpit?

Using public speeches and media to rally support for policies.

What are Executive Agreements?

Making international deals without Senate approval

What is the Significance of Marbury v. Madison?

Established judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to strike down unconstitutional laws. This decision strengthened the judiciary and ensured courts could check the powers of Congress and the president

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution

What is Selective incorporation?

The legal doctrine that makes states follow specific rights in the Bill of Rights through the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause

What are Civil Liberties?

Individual rights that the government CAN NOT take away.

What are Civil Rights?

Groups rights that the government must protect.

What is the The Role of SCOTUS in Protecting Rights?

The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) serves as the ultimate guardian of constitutional rights with the final authority on what the Constitution means

What is the 1st Amendment?

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press : or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.

What is the 2nd Amendment?

Protects an individual rights to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self defense within the home.

What is the 4th Amendment?

Protects against unreasonable search and seizures. It provides that warrants are necessary for government or law enforcements to enter a person's home.

What is the 8th Amendment?

Prevents cruel and unusual punishments and excessive ball

What is the 14th Amendment?

No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the united state; Nor shall any state deprive any persons of life, liberty or property without due process of law ; Nor deny to any persons within its jurisdiction the equal protection of laws.

What did Engel v. Vitale (1962) decide?

Supreme Court case that ruled school-sponsored prayer in public schools is unconstitutional, even if voluntary, because It violated the First Amendment's separation of church and state.

What did Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) decide?

Wisconsin's law requiring school attendance until age 16 violated Amish religious freedom when applied to them. Religious freedom can sometimes outweigh state education requirements when there's a genuine religious belief at stake.

What did Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) decide?

Schools can't restrict student expression unless it substantially disrupts school operations and Students have First Amendment rights in school, as long as their expression doesn't cause significant disruption.

What did New York Times co. v. U.S. (1971) decide?

The government can't stop newspapers from publishing information just because they claim "national security". The Court said the government has to show real, serious harm would result from publication - not just potential embarrassment.

What did Schenck v. U.S. (1919) decide?

Free speech can be limited when it creates a clear and immediate danger, especially during wartime

What did Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) decide?

States must provide free lawyers to criminal defendants who cannot afford one

What did McDonald v. Chicago (2010) decide?

The Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms applies to state and local governments and States and cities can regulate guns, but they cannot completely ban handguns or prevent people from keeping firearms for self-defense in their homes.

What did Brown v. Board of Education (1954) decide?

Made racial segregation in public schools illegal, establishing that separate is not equal and Ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional and a violation of the 14th Amendment.

What are Civil Liberties?

Individual rights that the government CAN NOT take away

What are Civil Rights?

Group rights that the government MUST protect.

What is the Due Process Clause?

“Nor shall any state deprive any person of life,liberty,or property, without due process of law. ”

What is the Equal Protection Clause?

“Nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. ”

What is De Facto Segregation?

Racial separation that happens "in fact" rather than by law. It occurs due to social, economic, or cultural patterns.

What is De Jure Segregation?

Segregation that was legally required and enforced by law.

What is Affirmative Action?

Policies that support members of groups that have historically faced discrimination.

What was the impact of Brown v. Board of Education?

Ended legal segregation in public schools, Overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine, Gave momentum to the civil rights movement, Established that segregation is unconstitutional, Changed how Americans think about racial equality, and Became a model for fighting other forms of discrimination

Which Amendment relates to Engel v. Vitale (1962)?

First Amendment (Establishment Clause) - prohibits state-sponsored prayer in schools

Which Amendment relates to Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)?

First Amendment (Free Exercise of Religion) - protects religious freedom in education

Which Amendment relates to Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)?

First Amendment (Free Speech) - protects student expression in schools

Which Amendment relates to New York Times v. U.S. (1971)?

First Amendment (Freedom of the Press) - protects press from prior restraint

Which Amendment relates to Schenck v. U.S. (1919)?

First Amendment (Free Speech) - limits speech that creates clear and present danger

Which Amendment relates to Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?

Sixth Amendment (Right to Counsel) - guarantees right to attorney in criminal cases

Which Amendments relate to McDonald v. Chicago (2010)?

Second Amendment (Right to Bear Arms) & Fourteenth Amendment (Due Process) - applies gun rights to states

Which Amendment relates to Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

Fourteenth Amendment (Equal Protection) - prohibits racial segregation in schools

Which Ideology is defined as the following Voters who generally oppose government intervention or regulation. Have high regard for civil liberties ?

Libertarian Ideology

What is Populism Ideology?

Movement that champions the common person usually by favourable contrast with a real or perceived elite or establishment.

What is Progressive Ideology?

Workers rights over corporate rights, and they believe the wealthier classes should pay a much larger percentage of taxes than they currently do.

What are some Political socialization factors?

Family, School, Friends/Peers, Geography, Social environment, and Media

What are Generational Effects?

The impact of historical events experienced by a generation impacts their political views.

What are some defining factors of Liberalism?

Role of government in addressing social inequities, Protection of civil rights, Support for social welfare programs, Environmental protection, and Equal opportunity

What are some defining factors of Conservatism?

Free market economics, Traditional family values, Strong military, Lower taxes, Less government regulation, and States' rights

What are some defining factors of Libertarianism?

Maximum personal freedom, Minimal government intervention, Strong property rights, Free market capitalism, Individual responsibility, and Non-aggression principle (avoiding force against others)

What is Keynesian Economics?

Aggregate demand drives economic growth and employment. Government intervention in the economy is necessary.

What is Fiscal Policy?

It's how the government uses its spending and taxing powers to manage the economy's health

What is Monetary Policy?

How the government manages the supply and demand of its currency and thus the value of the dollar

What are the characteristics of Voting rights expansion?

Popular sovereignty, individualism, and republicanism are important considerations of U.S laws and policy making and assume citizens will engage and participate.

What are Political realignments?

Major shifts in American political party coalitions and voting patterns

What is the winner-take-all voting system?

All states, with the exception of Maine and Nebraska, award all their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the plurality of the popular vote

What is Gatekeeping?

The process where media decides what information gets shared

What did Citizens United v. FEC (2010) decide?

The Court ruled that corporations and unions have a First Amendment right to spend unlimited amounts on political advertising, Struck down restrictions on corporate political spending, Found that political spending is a form of protected speech, and Allowed corporations and unions to spend freely on elections

What are Political Action Committees (PACs)?

An organization usually representing an interest group or corporation that raises money with the goal of supporting or defeating candidates,parties, or legislation. There are limits to the amount of money a PAC can donate to a candidate or party in each election.

What are Super PACs?

A super PAC may raise unlimited funds in support of a candidate or party as long as they do not coordinate in any way with the candidate or party

What is Retrospective Voting?

Voting made after taking into consideration factors like the performance of a political party,an office holder , and/or the administration.

What is Prospective Voting?

Citizens anticipate the future. They consider how candidates or proposed ballot initiatives might affect their lives or the operation of government.

What are Critical Elections?

Mark fundamental shifts in how political parties and voters align, creating new patterns that persist for generations

What is Agenda-Setting?

How media influences what the public thinks about by choosing which issues get attention and how they're covered.

What are the key amendments on voting rights?

15th Amendment (1870) : Citizens shall not be denied the right to vote by the states or the U.S “On account of race,color, or previous condition of servitude. ", 19th Amendment (1920) : Citizens shall not be denied the right to vote by the states or the U.S “On account of sex”, 23rd Amendment (1961) : For presidential and Vice presidential elections,….. 24th Amendment (1964) : Citizens shall not be denied the right to vote by the states or the U.S……,and 26th Amendment (1971) Citizens “eighteen years of age or older “

What are the effects of Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?

Citizens United fundamentally altered how money flows in American politics, leading to more spending and greater influence of outside groups in elections