AP Government and Politics Final (and AP) review

Federalist No. 10

Madison argues that a large republic is the best way to control factions

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist essay arguing that a free republic cannot exist in a large territory; fears central government

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established Supremacy Clause and Implied Powers (Congress can create a bank; states cannot tax it).

Declaration of Independence

Based on natural rights, popular sovereignty and the social contract

Letter from Birmingham Jail

MLK Jr. argues that “justice delayed is justice denied” and defends the strategy of nonviolent action.

How can the legislative branch check the executive branch

Overriding votes (2/3 vote), impeachment power, and the Senates “advice and consent” (approving treaties and appointments)

What is the difference between categorical grants and block grants

Categorical grants are for specific purposes with strings attached; block grants are broad and give states more freedom in spending

What did the Great Compromise solve?

Settled the dispute between large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature: House (population-based) and Senate (equal representation)

Iron Triangle

3-way relationship between Congressional Committees, Bureaucratic Agencies, and Interest Groups to make policy

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent

Bully Pulpit

Presidents use of their prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public (coined by Teddy Roosevelt)

Civil liberties

Protect you from government overreach

Civil Rights

Protections by the government to ensure equality

Selective Incorporation

Process by which the Supreme Court has applied the Bill of Rights to the states via the 14th amendments due process clause

Free Exercise Clause

Provision of the 1st amendment that prohibits the government from interfering with a citizens right to practice their religion

Establishment Clause

Provision of the 1st amendment that prohibits the government from creating an official state religion or favoring one religion over another

Strict Scrutiny

Highest standard of juridical review; used when a law infringes on a fundamental right or involves a “suspect classification” (like race).

Horse Race Journalism

Media coverage that focuses on who is winning/losing in the polls rather than on policy issues

Political Socialization

Process—led primarily by family, then peers and media—by which individuals acquire their political beliefs

PACs

Can give money directly to candidates (with limits)

Super PACs

can raise unlimited money but cannot coordinate directly with a candidate

Social Contract

Consent to be government

Articles of Confederation Problems

• Can’t coin money

• Can’t tax

• Needed 9/13 states to pass legislation

New Jersey and Virginia Plan

Virginia - wanted based on population

New Jersey - wanted based on legislation

3/5 compromise

Slaves count as 3/5 of a vote

Bill of Rights was demanded by ___

Anti-federalists

Structure of Constitution

1 - preamble

2 - articles (7)

3 - amendments

1st article

Legislative branch

2nd article

Executive branch

3rd article

Judicial branch

4th article

Relations among states

5th article

Amendment process

6th article

Supremacy Clause

7th article

Ratification of new constitution

Fundamental principles

• separation of powers

• Judicial review

• Limited government

• Checks and balances

• Federalism

• Popular sovereignty

Who were the authors of the federalist papers?

John Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton

Participatory Democracy

Citizens directly impact legislation - anti-federalists preferred

Pluralist democracy

People through groups influence democracy

Elite Democracy

Only the wealthiest, and elite, influence democracy - federalists preffered

Based on article 1, section 8, Congress has the power to…

• coin money

• Establish naturalization laws

• Create lower courts

Implied powers

Powers not states in constitution but are necessary and proper to carry out

Exclusive power

Power held at only one level

McCulloch v. Maryland

• congress created national bank

• Established elastic clause

• Violated supremacy clause

• Started implied powers

Gibbons v. Ogden

• SCOTUS said that they could use the commerce clause for commercial activity

• Expanded the definition of commerce

Revenue sharing

Federal government gives money to states to do whatever they want with it

Franking

Access to free mail systems