AP Gov & Politics – Unit 1 Exam Study Guide

Popular Consent

The idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, usually expressed through voting.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the people.

Majority Rule

A foundational democratic principle where the preferences of the majority dictate public policy.

Limited Government

A political system where legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers.

Confederacy

A union of sovereign states for common action, often with limited central authority.

Republic

A form of government where representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people.

Democracy

A system of government in which citizens directly participate or vote on laws and policies.

Pluralist Theory

Theory suggesting that many groups compete and counterbalance each other in politics.

Elite Theory

Theory that wealthy and powerful elites influence policies.

Hyperpluralism

Theory that too many groups lead to weakened government effectiveness.

Bureaucratic Theory

Theory that bureaucracies hold significant power due to their expertise.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government, which created a loose confederation with a weak central authority.

Great Compromise

Compromise establishing a bicameral legislature, with the House based on population and the Senate equal.

3/5 Compromise

Agreement that slaves would be counted as 3/5 of a person for representation purposes.

Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise

Limited Congress’s power over trade and slavery for 20 years.

Federalism

The division of power between the national government and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The distribution of governmental powers among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

System where each branch has powers to check the others to prevent dominance.

Federalist

A supporter of a strong central government and the Constitution.

Antifederalist

A person who fears central power and advocates for a Bill of Rights.

Federalist 10

An essay advocating for a large republic to control factions.

Federalist 51

Essay emphasizing checks and balances and the separation of powers.

Brutus 1

An Anti-Federalist essay warning that a large central government would lead to tyranny.

The Preamble

Introduction to the Constitution outlining its purpose: justice, peace, defense, welfare, liberty.

Electoral College

Body that formally elects the President, consisting of electors from each state.

Habeas Corpus

The right to be brought before a judge if detained.

Bills of Attainder

Laws declaring guilt without a trial; these are prohibited.

Ex Post Facto Laws

Laws that criminalize past actions; these are prohibited.

Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to pass laws necessary for executing its enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Mandates that states must respect other states’ laws and judicial rulings.

Senators’ Terms

Senators serve 6-year terms.

Representatives’ Terms

Representatives serve 2-year terms.

Methods of Choosing Officials

House is elected by the people; Senators were originally chosen by state legislatures.

Amending the Constitution

Requires a proposal by 2/3 of both Houses or a convention and ratification by 3/4 of states.

Powers Granted to Congress

Includes taxation, defense, interstate commerce, coin money, and declare war.

Where Tax Bills Begin

Originate in the House of Representatives per the Origination Clause.