AP Gov Unit 1 Foundations of American Democracy - Flashcards

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering core concepts, clauses, and compromises from the Foundations of American Democracy notes.

Which of the following accurately summarizes a core theme of AP Gov Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy?

A) Unlimited Government, where the government has absolute power without checks or balances.
B) Direct Democracy, where all citizens directly make legislative decisions.
C) Social Contract, where government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
D) Absolute Monarchy, where a single ruler holds supreme authority by divine right.
Correct Answer: C

Which of the following is a key idea presented in the Declaration of Independence?

A) The necessity of a strong central government with a standing army.
B) The principle of 'consent of the governed.'
C) The abolition of slavery throughout the states.
D) The establishment of universal adult suffrage.
Correct Answer: B

A significant weakness of the central government established by the Articles of Confederation was its inability to:

A) Declare war against foreign aggressors.
B) Form treaties with other nations.
C) Levy taxes directly on citizens.
D) Establish post offices.
Correct Answer: C

The primary goal of the U.S. Constitution, in contrast to the Articles of Confederation, was to:

A) Limit individual freedoms to a greater extent.
B) Concentrate all governmental power within the state legislatures.
C) Establish a stronger national government with a system of checks and balances.
D) Maintain a weak central authority to prevent tyranny.
Correct Answer: C

According to James Madison in Federalist 10, what is the best way to control the effects of factions?

A) By establishing a large republic.
B) Through direct democracy.
C) By eliminating all political parties.
D) Through a monarchical system.
Correct Answer: A

Brutus 1, an Anti-Federalist paper, expressed concern that a large republic would lead to:

A) Greater protection of individual liberties.
B) Elite dominance and the suppression of local interests.
C) More efficient governance.
D) Increased state power.
Correct Answer: B

Federalist 51, authored by James Madison, primarily argues for the importance of:

A) A strong unitary executive with unchecked power.
B) Unlimited federal power over the states.
C) Checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent tyranny.
D) Direct citizen participation in lawmaking.
Correct Answer: C

Which of the following is an example of an Enumerated Power of the U.S. federal government?

A) Establishing local school districts.
B) Issuing driver's licenses.
C) Declaring war.
D) Setting marriage laws.
Correct Answer: C

Powers such as establishing local school systems and conducting elections are examples of:

A) Enumerated Powers.
B) Reserved Powers.
C) Concurrent Powers.
D) Implied Powers.
Correct Answer: B

The power to levy taxes is an example of a:

A) Exclusive Federal Power.
B) Exclusive State Power.
C) Concurrent Power.
D) Implied Power.
Correct Answer: C

The Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, serves to:

A) Limit the powers of Congress to only those explicitly listed.
B) Expand the powers of the federal government beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution.
C) Define the specific responsibilities of state governments.
D) Ensure equal representation for all states in the Senate.
Correct Answer: B

The Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution establishes that:

A) State constitutions are superior to the federal Constitution.
B) The Constitution and federal laws are supreme over state laws when there is a conflict.
C) The executive branch has ultimate authority over all other branches.
D) Congress can override Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority vote.
Correct Answer: B

The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution primarily addresses:

A) The right to freedom of speech and expression.
B) The establishment of due process in legal proceedings.
C) The reservation of powers not granted to the federal government to the states or the people.
D) The prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.
Correct Answer: C

The Great Compromise at the Constitutional Convention resolved the issue of representation by creating:

A) A unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states.
B) A bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
C) A bicameral legislature with representation solely based on population in both houses.
D) A system where the president appoints all legislative members.
Correct Answer: B

The 3/5 Compromise at the Constitutional Convention addressed which of the following issues?

A) The power of the federal government to regulate interstate trade.
B) The process for amending the Constitution.
C) How enslaved individuals would be counted for purposes of legislative representation.
D) The method for electing the President.
Correct Answer: C

The Electoral College is best described as the:

A) System for electing members of the U.S. Congress.
B) Primary method for choosing Supreme Court justices.
C) Indirect method by which the President of the United States is elected.
D) Group that advises the President on foreign policy decisions.
Correct Answer: C

A major weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that it lacked:

A) The ability to declare war.
B) The power to form treaties.
C) An executive branch, a national judiciary, and the power to regulate interstate commerce.
D) The authority to coin money.
Correct Answer: C

Which of the following powers was granted to the federal government under the U.S. Constitution but was absent under the Articles of Confederation?

A) The power to request state militias in times of crisis.
B) The authority to regulate interstate commerce.
C) The ability to establish post offices.
D) The power to declare war.
Correct Answer: B