AP U.S. Government: Foundational Documents Quick Reference Guide

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from foundational documents in U.S. Government, focusing on their authors, main points, and implications.

Declaration of Independence

Authored by Thomas Jefferson; it declared independence from Britain and outlined the justification for this separation, emphasizing natural rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Natural Rights

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness identified in the Declaration of Independence, which the government is obligated to protect.

Consent of the Governed

A principle that the legitimacy of government depends on the consent of the people, heavily influenced by John Locke.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak confederal government with no executive branch, no power to tax, and no means to raise an army.

U.S. Constitution

The foundational document of the United States government, establishing the structure of government and the concept of popular sovereignty.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Federalist #10

A paper by James Madison arguing that factions are inevitable; a large republic is the best way to control them and prevent tyranny.

Brutus #1

An Anti-Federalist paper expressing concerns that the Constitution gives too much power to the central government and can lead to the obsolescence of state governments.

Elastic Clause

Another name for the Necessary and Proper Clause, which allows Congress to make laws that are necessary to carry out its enumerated powers; criticized for giving Congress too much power.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution, established as a key role of the judiciary.

Federalist #51

A paper by Madison emphasizing the need for checks and balances and the division of power to prevent tyranny.

Federalist #70

A paper by Hamilton promoting a strong, single executive to ensure decisiveness and responsibility in governance.

Federalist #78

A paper by Hamilton arguing for the importance of an independent judiciary and the concept of judicial review.

Nonviolent Direct Action

A method of protest as advocated by Martin Luther King Jr., aimed at creating urgency for legislative action and justice.

14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause

Part of the 14th Amendment, ensuring that all individuals are treated equally under the law.