AP U.S. Government & Politics Flashcards

Flashcards covering key topics in AP U.S. Government & Politics, including foundational documents, Supreme Court cases, constitutional amendments, branches of government, and the Commerce Clause.

What is the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

Declares independence, asserts natural rights, and justifies overthrowing bad governments.

What were the key characteristics of the Articles of Confederation?

First government of the U.S.; too weak with states holding most power and lacking taxing authority.

What are the main features of the U.S. Constitution?

Replaced the Articles of Confederation, establishing a strong federal government with three branches and checks and balances.

What is the main argument of Federalist No. 10?

Factions are dangerous but can be controlled in a large republic.

What were the main concerns of Brutus No. 1?

Opposed the Constitution, arguing that the government would be too powerful and states would lose power.

What is the central idea of Federalist No. 51?

Checks and balances and separation of powers protect liberty.

Why is a strong executive important according to Federalist No. 70?

A strong, single executive is necessary for energy and accountability.

What is the main defense presented in Federalist No. 78?

Defends judicial review and the need for an independent judiciary.

What is the key argument presented in Letter from Birmingham Jail?

Martin Luther King Jr. defends civil disobedience as a response to injustice.

What was the significance of Marbury v. Madison?

Established the principle of judicial review.

What was the central issue in McCulloch v. Maryland?

Affirmed federal power over states in relation to a national bank.

What was the outcome of U.S. v. Lopez?

Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

What did Engel v. Vitale decide regarding school prayer?

Prohibits school prayer based on the Establishment Clause.

What was the ruling in Wisconsin v. Yoder?

Religious freedom is more important than school attendance laws.

What did Tinker v. Des Moines establish regarding student speech?

Students have speech rights in schools.

What principle was upheld in NY Times v. U.S.?

Government cannot censor the press (no prior restraint).

When can speech be limited according to Schenck v. U.S.?

Speech can be limited during wartime if it presents a clear and present danger.

What right was affirmed in Gideon v. Wainwright?

Guarantees a free lawyer if a defendant cannot afford one.

What right was established in Roe v. Wade?

Right to privacy includes the right to an abortion.

What was the ruling in McDonald v. Chicago?

The Second Amendment applies to states.

What was the outcome of Brown v. Board of Education?

Ended school segregation.

What was the key decision in Citizens United v. FEC?

Unlimited campaign spending is a form of free speech.

What principle was established in Baker v. Carr?

Courts can hear redistricting cases.

What did Shaw v. Reno decide regarding gerrymandering?

Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.

What rights are protected by the 1st Amendment?

Guarantees freedoms of speech, religion, press, etc.

What right does the 2nd Amendment protect?

Guarantees the right to bear arms.

What protection is provided by the 4th Amendment?

Protects against illegal searches and seizures.

What rights are included in the 5th Amendment?

Protects the rights of the accused, including due process and protection against self-incrimination.

What rights are guaranteed by the 6th Amendment?

Guarantees the right to a lawyer and a fair trial.

What protection does the 8th Amendment offer?

Prevents cruel and unusual punishment.

What does the 10th Amendment establish?

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states.

What is the main purpose of the 14th Amendment?

Guarantees equal protection and due process at the state level.

What does the 15th Amendment prevent?

Prohibits race-based voting bans.

What change was made by the 17th Amendment?

Provides for the direct election of senators.

What right was given in the 19th Amendment?

Grants women the right to vote.

What limit is set by the 22nd Amendment?

Limits the president to two terms.

What did the 24th Amendment eliminate?

Abolishes the poll tax.

What issue does the 25th Amendment address?

Addresses presidential succession.

What did the 26th Amendment change?

Lowers the voting age to 18.

What did the 23rd Amendment establish?

Gives D.C. electoral votes.

What change did the 27th Amendment make?

Pay raises for Congress are delayed.

What is the main function of the Legislative Branch (Congress)?

Makes laws.

What is the main function of the Executive Branch (President)?

Enforces laws.

What is the main function of the Judicial Branch (Courts)?

Interprets laws.

What is the Commerce Clause?

Congress can regulate trade between states, with foreign nations, and with Indian tribes.