AP Gov Unit 1

Natural Rights

Rights people are born with—like life, liberty, and property—that cannot be taken away by governments.

Ex. The Declaration of Independence says all people have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Social Contract

An agreement between the government and the people where people give up some freedoms in exchange for protection of their rights.

Ex. If the government fails to protect citizens’ rights, people have the right to change or remove it.

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that government power comes from the consent of the governed (the people).

Ex. Elections show popular sovereignty in action—citizens choose their leaders.

Republicanism

A form of government in which people elect representatives to make decisions for them.

Ex. The U.S. Congress represents the people.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy where citizens actively and directly take part in politics and policymaking.

Ex. Town hall meetings where citizens voice their opinions.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy where many different interest groups compete to influence policy.

Ex. Environmental groups lobbying Congress to pass climate change laws

Elite Democracy

A model of democracy where a small number of wealthy or well-educated people influence decisions.

Ex. Major campaign donors having more access to lawmakers.

Declaration of Independence (Key Ideas)

Natural Rights, Popular Sovereignty, and Grievances against the king—used to justify the colonies' separation from Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government document that created a weak national government with most power left to the states.

• Weaknesses:

  • No power to tax

  • No executive or judicial branch

  • Couldn’t enforce laws

• Replaced by the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

Dividing the government into branches (legislative, executive, judicial) so no one becomes too powerful.

Ex. Congress makes laws, the President enforces them, the Courts interpret them.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government can limit the power of the other two.

Ex. The President can veto a law passed by Congress.

Federalism

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

Ex. Both the federal and state governments can tax people.

Great Compromise

Created a two-house Congress—Senate (equal for all states) and House of Representatives (based on population).

Solved: Disagreements between big and small states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Slaves would count as 3/5 of a person for population and taxation.

Purpose: To settle debates between northern and southern states.

Federalist No. 10

Author: James Madison

Main Idea: A large republic helps control factions and prevents any one group from taking over.

Supremacy Clause

Definition: Federal law is the "supreme law of the land"—it overrides state laws.

Location: Article VI of the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment

Definition: Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.

Ex. States control education policies.

Commerce Clause

Definition: Gives Congress the power to regulate trade between states and with other countries.

Used For: Expanding federal power over time.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Issue: Can states tax the federal bank? Does Congress have implied powers?

Decision: No, states can’t tax the federal gov. Congress has implied powers (Necessary and Proper Clause).

Impact: Strengthened national power.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Issue: Can Congress ban guns in school zones using the Commerce Clause?

Decision: No—guns in schools aren’t commerce.

Impact: Limited federal power; supported state rights.