AP US Government: Federalism, Constitution, and Key Debates

What is federalism?

Division of power between national and state governments.

What are unfunded mandates?

Federal requirements states must follow without receiving money.

What are federal mandates?

Orders from the federal government that states must follow, sometimes with funding.

How is the Constitution amended (Article IV)?

Proposed by 2/3 of Congress or states; ratified by 3/4 of states.

What is Federalist #10 about?

Large republics control factions and prevent tyranny of the majority.

What was the main Federalist vs Anti-Federalist debate?

Federalists wanted a strong central government; Anti-Federalists feared tyranny and wanted a Bill of Rights.

What were the failures of the Articles of Confederation?

Weak central gov't, no power to tax, no army, hard to pass laws, states too powerful.

What is bicameralism?

Two-house legislature (House + Senate).

What are block grants?

Federal money to states for broad purposes, few restrictions.

What were Brutus 1's concerns about a large republic?

Too big to represent people, federal gov't would overpower states.

What is judicial review?

Courts' power to declare laws unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison).

What is the system of checks and balances?

Each branch limits others' power (e.g., veto, impeachment, judicial review).

Brutus 1 vs Federalist 10?

Brutus: small republic protects liberty; Federalist 10: large republic prevents factions.

What was the Great Compromise?

Bicameral Congress: House by population, Senate equal.

What's the difference between elite and pluralist theories?

Elite: power in wealthy few; Pluralist: many groups compete for power.

What is the Electoral College?

Electors choose president instead of direct popular vote.

What is the Declaration of Independence?

1776 Jefferson document declaring separation from Britain, based on natural rights.

What were major issues at the Constitutional Convention?

Representation, slavery, federal vs state power, presidency.

What is liberty vs safety?

Balancing individual freedom with government protection (e.g., Patriot Act).

What is the social contract?

Locke's idea: people give up some freedoms for protection of rights.

What was the 3/5 Compromise?

Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation.

Impeachment vs conviction of the president?

Impeachment = House charges; Conviction = Senate trial/removal.

What is the 10th Amendment?

Powers not given to federal government are reserved to states/people.