The Ultimate Guide to AP United States Government and Politics (copy)

What is the philosophical movement that emphasized reason over tradition and influenced new ideas about government in the 18th century?

Enlightenment

Who believed in the social contract and that a monarch with absolute power would be the best protector of life?

Thomas Hobbes

In John Locke's philosophy, what are the natural rights that must be protected by government?

Life, liberty, and property

What concept did Charles de Montesquieu advocate for to limit government power?

Separation of powers

What is the right to revolution if natural rights are taken away, as articulated by John Locke?

The right to revolt against unjust government

Which French philosopher believed that people are born good but corrupted by society?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

What is the system that divides power between national and state governments?

Federalism

What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To formally declare war between America and Great Britain and list grievances against King George III.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Unable to impose taxes, lacked a national military, no executive branch, and required unanimous consent to amend.

What event exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and highlighted the need for a stronger central government?

Shays’ Rebellion

What was the main outcome of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

Creation of the US Constitution.

What compromise created a bicameral legislature with representation based on population and equal representation for states?

The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise).

What determines how many electoral votes each state has in presidential elections?

The total number of its senators and representatives.

What are the Federalist Papers?

A collection of articles written to support the ratification of the US Constitution.

Who argued that the judicial branch would have the least power but also have the power of judicial review?

Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 78.

What is the process called when changes are made to the Constitution?

Amendment process.

What principle states that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws?

Supremacy clause.

What was a major objection by the Anti-Federalists concerning the original Constitution?

Lack of a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.

What does popular sovereignty refer to in a democratic government?

Government power derives from the consent of the governed.

What is a main characteristic of federalism?

The division of powers between national and state governments.

What is the term for powers specifically reserved to the federal government?

Delegated (enumerated) powers.

What is the term for powers not specifically granted to the federal government but reserved for the states?

Reserved powers.

What is the constitutional mechanism through which Congress can promote citizen participation in democracy?

Primary elections and initiatives.

What is the difference between categorical grants and block grants?

Categorical grants are for specific purposes with stricter rules, while block grants allow states more flexibility in spending.

Which two amendments did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 aim to enhance?

The 15th Amendment (voting rights) and the 24th Amendment (elimination of poll taxes).

What landmark Supreme Court case addressed the issue of school segregation?

Brown v. Board of Education (1954).

What does the term 'lame duck' refer to in the context of American politics?

A period when a president or other elected official is nearing the end of their term and is less influential.

What is the name of the system that allows voters to directly propose legislation and vote on it?

Direct democracy.

What Supreme Court case established the precedent for judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803).