AP Government Unit 1

Ideology

Core beliefs or morals that guide an individual's views on politics and society.

How Ideology Changes

Socialization influences ideology through factors such as religion, personal experiences, and culture.

Party Identity

The political party that aligns most closely with an individual’s moral and legal views.

How Party Identity Changes

Party identity can shift based on the candidates that run for office and their platforms.

Natural Rights

Rights that are inherent and not granted by the government; the government's role is to protect them.

Popular Sovereignty

Government legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed, not divine right.

Social Contract

The agreement where people limit some rights to live peacefully in society.

Republicanism

The principle that government should be representative, elected by the people.

Issues with Social Contract

Balancing how many natural rights should be relinquished for social order.

Issues with Popular Sovereignty

Risks of tyranny of the majority in a direct democracy.

Issues with Republicanism

Ensuring representatives act in the public's interest and are not tyrannical.

Limited Government

A government with defined limits to protect rights without being tyrannical.

Participatory Democracy

A system favoring broad participation in political processes and popular sovereignty.

Pluralist Democracy

A democracy where groups influence policy by aggregating interests and ideas.

Elite Democracy

A system with limited public involvement, where elected elites make decisions.

Articles of Confederation

The framework that maintained order, provided for trade, and responded to emergencies.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

No power to tax, no military, no national court system, and no ability to coin money.

Structural Issues of the Articles

State-appointed delegates, high voting thresholds, and unanimous consent for amendments.

Shays' Rebellion

An event that highlighted the need for a stronger federal government.

Federalists

Advocates for a stronger central government with checks and balances; supporters of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Individuals who feared centralization of power and loss of state autonomy; demanded more protections for individual rights.

Brutus 1

An argument against a strong centralized government fearing loss of liberty.

Fed 10

James Madison's argument that a strong central government could better manage factions and prevent tyranny.

Three Branches

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, each with distinct powers and responsibilities.

Purpose of Separation of Powers

To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, ensuring a balanced government.

Federalist 51

James Madison’s framework for checks and balances to safeguard against corruption and abuse of power.