Unit 1 Ap Gov

These flashcards cover key concepts, principles, and foundational documents related to the foundations of American democracy.

What does the Declaration of Independence emphasize?

Natural rights, the social contract, and limited government.

What are the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

No power to tax or raise troops.

What was the Great Compromise?

It created a bicameral legislature to resolve representation issues.

Who wrote Federalist No. 10, and what was its argument?

James Madison argued that a large republic would help control factions.

What is the Anti-Federalist position as presented in Brutus 1?

It argues for a smaller, decentralized government, criticizing the Constitution's centralization of power.

Define Participatory Democracy.

A democracy emphasizing direct involvement of citizens.

What is Pluralist Democracy?

A democracy focused on power held by organized interest groups.

What does Elite Democracy suggest?

It suggests that wealthy and educated elites control power in a democracy.

Explain the concept of Hyperpluralism.

It argues that too many competing interest groups result in government gridlock.

What is the principle of Separation of Powers?

The division of power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

What landmark case established federal supremacy?

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819).

What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?

It addressed how to count enslaved persons for representation and taxation.

What are Categorical Grants?

Money specifically allocated for federal purposes.

Define Limited Government.

A government structure that restricts government power to protect individual rights.

What does Popular Sovereignty mean?

Government power comes from the people, who consent to be governed.

What is the significance of the 14th Amendment?

It guarantees equal protection under the law.

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect individual freedoms from government infringement.

Describe the structure of the House of Representatives.

Representation based on population; initiates revenue bills.

How is representation structured in the Senate?

Equal representation for states with two senators per state.

What do Checks and Balances prevent?

They prevent tyranny by ensuring each branch limits the others' power.

Define Delegated Powers.

Powers specifically given to the national government by the Constitution.

What are Implied Powers?

Powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution but inferred from it.