AP GOV/LaManna Vids

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution outlining its fundamental purposes and principles, emphasizing justice, defense, welfare, and liberty.

State of Nature

A condition without government, where individuals have complete freedom but face chaos and insecurity.

John Locke's view

In a state of nature, individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and government is necessary to protect these rights.

Thomas Hobbes' view

Without a strong authority, life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short,' necessitating a social contract.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed.

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to individuals, recognized as life, liberty, and property, which government must protect.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among individuals to give up some freedoms for social order and protection of rights.

Limited Government

The concept that governmental power is restricted to protect individual liberties.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent abuse of power.

Checks and Balances

Procedures established to ensure that no branch of government becomes too powerful.

Federalism

The distribution of power between a central government and state governments.

Republicanism

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

Rule of Law

The principle that no individual is above the law, including government officials.

Majority Rule with Minority Rights

The principle that while the majority's decisions prevail, the rights of minorities must also be protected.

Liberal Democracy

A political system based on individual freedoms, representative government, and the rule of law.

Types of Democracy

Distinctions including direct, participatory, pluralist, and elite democracies.

Participatory Democracy

A form of democracy that emphasizes broad participation and active engagement in politics by citizens.

Pluralist Democracy

A political system where multiple groups advocate for policies and influence decision-making.

Elite Democracy

A model of democracy characterized by limited citizen participation, dominated by a small group of elites.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored state sovereignty and feared a powerful central government.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution advocating for a stronger central government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, safeguarding individual liberties.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak federal government with limited powers.

Shay's Rebellion

An armed uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

An agreement that created a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between large and small states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for congressional apportionment.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to honor the laws and judicial decisions of other states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws essential for executing its enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law in case of conflict.

Gibbons v. Ogden

A landmark Supreme Court case establishing that only Congress can regulate interstate commerce.

Federalist 10

James Madison's essay arguing that a large republic controls factions and protects minority rights. Solution to factions is more factions!

Federalist 51

Madison's essay emphasizing the need for separation of powers and checks and balances.