unit 1 ap gov final review

What is the Declaration of Independence?

States that people have natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) and that government gets power from the people and can be overthrown if it fails.

Who was John Locke?

Enlightenment philosopher who argued for natural rights and the social contract.

What are Natural Rights?

Rights all people are born with (life, liberty, property).

What is a Social Contract?

Agreement where people give up some freedom for government protection.

What is Popular Sovereignty?

Government power comes from the people.

What is Limited Government?

Government has restricted powers.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

First U.S. government with weak central authority and strong states.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

No power to tax, no army, no executive, no courts, required supermajorities.

What was Shays’ Rebellion?

Farmer uprising that showed the Articles were too weak.

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

Meeting in 1787 to fix the Articles, resulted in new Constitution.

What is the Connecticut (Great) Compromise?

Created bicameral legislature: House by population, Senate equal.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Slaves counted as 3/5 for representation.

What is the Electoral College?

System for electing the president indirectly.

What is the United States Constitution?

Supreme law that structures government and divides power.

What does Popular Sovereignty (Constitution) mean?

People are the source of authority.

What is Republicanism?

People elect representatives to govern.

What is Separation of Powers?

Dividing power among legislative, executive, judicial branches.

What are Checks and Balances?

Each branch can limit the power of the others.

What is Federalism?

Power divided between national and state governments.

What is Dual Federalism?

State and national governments operate separately.

What is Cooperative Federalism?

State and national governments work together.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

Federal law overrides state law.

What is the Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)?

Congress can make laws needed to carry out its powers.

What is the Commerce Clause?

Congress can regulate interstate trade.

Who were the Federalists?

Supported strong national government and Constitution.

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

Opposed Constitution, wanted stronger state power and Bill of Rights.

What is Federalist No. 10?

Argues large republic controls factions.

What is Federalist No. 51?

Explains checks and balances and separation of powers.

What is the Bill of Rights?

First 10 amendments protecting individual liberties.

What rights does the 1st Amendment protect?

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition.

What rights does the 2nd Amendment protect?

Right to bear arms.

What rights does the 4th Amendment protect?

Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.

What is the Exclusionary Rule?

Illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court.

What rights does the 5th Amendment protect?

No self-incrimination, no double jeopardy, due process.

What rights does the 6th Amendment guarantee?

Right to lawyer and fair trial.

What rights does the 8th Amendment protect?

No cruel and unusual punishment.

What is the 9th Amendment?

People have rights beyond those listed.

What is the 10th Amendment?

Powers not given to federal government go to states.

What is Selective Incorporation?

Applying Bill of Rights to states using 14th Amendment.

What does the 14th Amendment guarantee?

Due process and equal protection.

What did Marbury v. Madison establish?

Established judicial review.

What is Judicial Review?

Power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

What did McCulloch v. Maryland establish?

Established implied powers and federal supremacy.

What are Implied Powers?

Powers not explicitly stated but necessary to carry out laws.

What did United States v. Lopez achieve?

Limited Congress’s commerce power.

What is Political Culture?

Shared beliefs about government (freedom, equality, democracy).

What is Political Socialization?

Process by which people form political beliefs.

What are the Agents of Socialization?

Family, media, school, peers.

What is Direct Democracy?

People vote directly on laws.

What is an Initiative?

Citizens propose laws.

What is a Referendum?

Citizens vote on laws.

What is Representative Democracy (Republic)?

People elect officials to represent them.

What is the Formal Amendment Process?

2/3 propose, 3/4 ratify.

What is the Informal Amendment Process?

Changes through courts, laws, and practices