AP GOV

Social contract

A theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a government that provides protection of their rights and welfare in exchange for some of their freedoms.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically expressed through their elected representatives.

bill of rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution that guarantee individual freedoms and rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

declaration of independence

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, which declared the thirteen American colonies' intention to separate from British rule and outlined the fundamental principles of individual rights and government accountability.

constitution

The supreme law of the land, establishing the framework of government, delineating powers and responsibilities, and guaranteeing individual rights.

participatory democracy

Participatory democracy emphasizes direct citizen involvement in decision-making processes, encouraging engagement through public consultations and grassroots activism, aiming for transparency and community responsibility.

elite democracy

Elite democracy is a model of democracy where a small group of elite individuals holds significant power and influence in decision-making, often representing the interests of a larger population. Unlike participatory democracy, where citizens actively engage, elite democracy relies more on elected representatives making decisions on behalf of the people.

factions

Factions are groups of individuals within a larger entity, such as a political party, that possess shared interests or beliefs, often leading to internal conflict or competing agendas.

Fed 10

a paper to convince people to ratify the constitution. it advocates for a strong gov to control the people, speaks badly of participatory democracy, a large republic is good, pluralism is good and stops one faction from taking control

brutus 1

an antifederalsit paper claiming the goverment will become corrupt, it will have absolute uncontrolable power, republics only work on a small scale, and pluralsium is bad

articles of confederation

the first governing document of the United States, establishing a weak central government with most power held by the states, which led to its failure and replacement by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.

bicameral legislature

a law-making body composed of two distinct, separate houses or chambers, such as a Senate and a House of Representatives

The virginia plan

a bicameral legislature with proportional representation, heavily favoring large states by basing representation on population

The new jersey plan

a proposal at the Constitutional Convention intended to protect the interests of smaller states by advocating for a unicameral legislature with equal state representation

The great comprimise/ conneticut comprimise

The Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise) of 1787 solved the critical issue of representation at the Constitutional Convention by creating a bicameral legislature. It blended the Virginia Plan (proportional representation) and New Jersey Plan (equal representation), establishing a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with two members per state

Three fifths compromse

an agreement to count three-fifths of a state's enslaved population for representation in the House of Representatives and taxation.