AP GOV summer work

Who wrote most of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

What is the main argument in the Declaration’s opening?

A: It justifies independence — break from Britain

Q: How is the Declaration of Independence structured?

A: Principles → grievances → conclusion

Q: Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

A: Weak central government, no power to tax or enforce laws

Q: What was the structure of government under the Articles?

A: One-branch Congress, no executive or judiciary

Q: Which power did Congress lack under the Articles?

A: The power to tax states directly

Q: What event showed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

A: Shays’ Rebellion

Q: What is the main topic of Federalist 10?

A: Factions and how to control them

Q: What was Madison’s solution to factions in Federalist 10?

A: A large republic controls effects, diluting factions

Q: What was Brutus 1’s main concern?

A: A strong central government would overpower states

Q: What fear motivated Brutus 1’s argument?

A: Loss of state sovereignty

: What is the main idea of Federalist 51?

A: Separation of powers and checks & balances

Q: According to Federalist 51, why are checks and balances important?

A: To prevent tyranny by stopping one branch from dominating

Q: What is the purpose of the Constitution’s Preamble?

A: To outline goals of government — justice, liberty, etc.

Q: What does Article I of the Constitution establish?

A: The Legislative Branch (Congress)

Q: What does Article II of the Constitution establish?

: The Executive Branch (President)

Q: What does Article III of the Constitution establish?

A: The Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)

Q: What do the first 10 Amendments guarantee?

A: Individual rights (Bill of Rights)

Q: What was the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland?

A: Congress has implied powers; federal law is supreme over states

Q: What clause was central in McCulloch v. Maryland?

A: The Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)