AP EXAM REVIEW: UNIT 1

Pluralist Theory/Democracy

A theory suggesting that political power is distributed among various interest groups and parties.

Elite and Class Theory/Democracy

A theory indicating that wealthier groups hold more political influence.

Participatory Theory/Democracy

A theory advocating for widespread political participation by citizens.

Consent of the Governed

The principle that the authority of a government derives from the consent of its people.

Natural Rights

Rights that individuals are born with, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Popular Sovereignty

The doctrine that the people have the right to govern themselves.

Social Contract

An agreement in a democracy to collectively sacrifice certain freedoms for the greater good.

Limited Government

A governing system restricted by laws and a constitution.

Republicanism

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

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent one from overpowering the others.

Great Compromise

Resolved the legislative representation issue by creating a bicameral Congress.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement on how to count slaves for representation, counting three out of every five slaves.

Commerce Compromise

Established federal control over interstate and foreign commerce.

Electoral College

A method of selecting the president that balances public voting and state representation.

Dual Federalism

A model of federalism where state and national governments operate independently.

Cooperative Federalism

A model where state and national governments work together.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds given to states with strict regulations on their use.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states with few restrictions, allowing for greater state autonomy.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Gives Congress the power to pass all laws necessary for carrying out enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Ex Post Facto Laws

Laws that punish actions retroactively.

Bills of Attainder

Legislative acts declaring a person guilty without a trial.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A legal principle that protects against unlawful detention.

Amendment Process

A two-part process requiring a 2/3 majority in Congress and approval from 3/4 of the states.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Supreme Court case establishing the national government's implied powers and supremacy over the states.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Supreme Court case ruling that Congress could not regulate guns in schools under the Commerce Clause.

Declaration of Independence

“Break-up letter” written July 4th, 1776 from the colonists to the King of Great Britain explaining their grievances (mainly British taxes) because they were unhappy about taxes and thought that they should be independent

Articles of Confederation

A weak military alliance/first government/first Constitution written in 1777 that gave too much power to the states and not enough to the national government. There was an uneven distribution of power and many economic problems because there was no way to enforce taxes.

The Constitution

Supreme law of the land written in 1787 as a response to Shay’s Rebellion that distributed powers between the states and national government evenly. It set up a new republic and established a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

Brutus #1

Argument written by the Anti-Federalists in 1787 that claims that the Constitution gives too much power to the federal government. It claims that a large republic could take away people’s freedoms, the rights of the states, and not represent them

Federalist #10

Argument written by James Madison in 1787 that claims a large republic is the best way to control factions because it makes it harder for any one group to take over and threaten people’s rights, especially in a democracy. Ownership of property created groups so they can protect their wealth was the main cause of factions.

Federalist #51

Document written by the Federalists in 1788 claiming that a separation of powers and checks and balances can control the abuse of the majority because it can preserve liberty. It also claims that the legislative branch is the strongest branch and it should be kept in check by the executive branch to enforce laws while the judiciary ensures laws are applied fairly. It also advocates for federalism because it maintain checks and balances between the states and federal government.