AP Government Unit 1

Democracy

Power lies with the people (direct or representative).

Monarchy

Power is inherited, held by a king or queen.

Oligarchy

A small group holds power.

Dictatorship

Power is held by one individual or a small group, often through force.

Theocracy

Government based on religious authority.

Republic

Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf.

Declaration of Independence

Authored by Thomas Jefferson in 1776; key themes include inalienable rights and government by consent.

Inalienable Rights

Rights that cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Articles of Confederation

Characterized by a weak central government and reliance on states.

Supremacy Clause

Federal laws trump state laws; outlined in Article VI of the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

A system that prevents tyranny by dividing power among branches of government.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that power resides with the people.

Federalists

Supported a strong central government and the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Advocated for stronger state governments and were skeptical of a powerful central government.

Dual Federalism

A clear division of responsibilities between state and federal governments.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds given for specific purposes with tight regulations.

Bicameral Legislature

A two-chamber legislature, established by The Great Compromise.

Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to make laws necessary to execute its powers.

Three-Fifths Compromise

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

Federalist 10

Argues for a large republic to control factions.

Federalist 51

Emphasizes the importance of checks and balances.

Brutus 1

Warns against the dangers of a large centralized government.

Fiscal Federalism

The financial relationships and funding mechanisms that influence state policies.