ap gov unit 1

ap gov

What are natural rights according to Enlightenment thinkers?

Life, liberty, and property, which were later changed to the pursuit of happiness.

What is the Social Contract theory?

Governments derive power from the consent of the people in exchange for the protection of rights.

What is popular sovereignty?

Ultimate political authority rests with the people.

What does limited government mean?

Government power is restricted to protect individual freedom.

What is republicanism?

A representative form of government where officials are elected by the people.

What does participatory democracy emphasize?

Broad participation in politics by citizens.

What is pluralist democracy?

It highlights group-based activism and interest group influence in policymaking.

What does elite democracy suggest?

A small, wealthy, and educated elite holds significant power in decision-making.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

No power to tax, regulate trade, enforce laws, and no executive or judiciary branches.

What impact did the Articles of Confederation have?

Led to issues like Shays' Rebellion, revealing the need for a stronger national government.

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

To revise the Articles of Confederation and create a new Constitution.

What was the Virginia Plan?

Favored large states with proportional representation.

What was the New Jersey Plan?

Favored small states with equal representation.

What did the Great Compromise create?

A bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

What is the Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debate primarily about?

Federalists supported the Constitution and a stronger national government, while Anti-Federalists opposed it, fearing a strong central government.

What did the Federalist Papers promote?

The importance of a large republic to control factions and the separation of powers and checks and balances.

What does the Preamble of the Constitution outline?

The goals of government, such as justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, and general welfare.

What is the Separation of Powers?

Dividing power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

What are checks and balances?

A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful.

What is federalism?

The division of power between national and state governments.

What is the amendment process of the Constitution?

It allows for flexibility, requiring proposal by 2/3 of Congress and ratification by 3/4 of the states.

What is dual federalism?

A 'layer cake' model where state and federal governments operate separately.

What is cooperative federalism?

A 'marble cake' model where state and federal governments work together.

What does the Necessary and Proper Clause allow?

It allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its powers.

What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

It establishes the Constitution as the highest law.

What is the Commerce Clause?

It expands federal power through regulation of interstate commerce.

What are categorical grants?

Specific purposes with strict guidelines.

What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Reinforced the supremacy of the federal government and upheld the use of implied powers.

What did United States v. Lopez (1995) reaffirm?

It limited federal power under the Commerce Clause, reaffirming state sovereignty.