AP GOV FINAL (Unit 1)

Social Contract

The idea that people give up some freedoms to government in exchange for protection of natural rights.

Natural Rights

Rights all people inherently possess—life, liberty, and property (or pursuit of happiness).

Popular Sovereignty

Government power comes from the consent of the governed.

Republicanism

A system where people elect representatives to make policy decisions.

Limited Government

Government power is restricted by law (often through a constitution).

Participatory Democracy

Citizens directly participate in political decisions (e.g., referendums, town halls).

Pluralist Democracy

Many competing interest groups influence policymaking.

Elite Democracy

Small number of wealthy or educated elites hold significant political power.

Federalism

Power is divided between national and state governments.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government can limit the power of the others.

Separation of Powers

Government power divided into three branches: legislative, executive, judicial.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government; weak central government with most power held by states.

Shay’s Rebellion

Revolt of Massachusetts farmers showing weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and pushing for a stronger central government.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

Created a bicameral Congress:

• House based on population

• Senate with equal representation (2 per state)

Electoral College

System for electing the president using electors chosen by each state.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted enslaved people as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation.

Amendment Process (Article V)

Two steps:

1. Proposal (2/3 of Congress or states)

2. Ratification (3/4 of states)

Factions (Federalist No. 10)

Groups of citizens with interests contrary to others; Madison argued a large republic controls their effects.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist argument that a strong national government threatens liberty and states' rights.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress power to regulate trade between states, with foreign nations, and with Native tribes.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is the “supreme law of the land” over state laws.

10th Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution (e.g., coin money, declare war).

Implied Powers

Powers not stated but inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Reserved Powers

Powers kept by the states (e.g., education, elections).

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both state and federal governments (e.g., taxation).