AP U.S. Government and Politics

A set of flashcards based on key concepts, arguments, and historical references from AP U.S. Government and Politics lecture notes.

What was the single most contentious issue at the Constitutional Convention?

Representation in the Congress for the 13 original states.

What does Article I of the U.S. Constitution grant Congress power to do?

Lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare.

What event likely influenced the author's perspective in Hamilton's writing?

Shay's Rebellion, which demonstrated the weaknesses of the national government.

What is E.E. Schattschneider's argument regarding the pressure system?

It is skewed and unbalanced in favor of a small minority, not representative of the whole community.

What are the two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic according to Madison?

Delegation of government to a small number of citizens and the greater number of citizens involved.

What concern does Brutus express about large republics?

That it is impossible for representatives to adequately express the popular will.

What do the cartoons regarding federal benefits suggest about state governments?

States want federal money but do not want federal oversight over how it is spent.

What do block grants represent in terms of state preferences?

States prefer block grants because they provide funds with less federal oversight.

What principle does federalism exemplify in healthcare implementation?

The variation of policies across states leads to differing rates of uninsured citizens.

According to the Supreme Court ruling discussed, what power does Congress have?

The power to make laws essential to carry out its constitutional duties.

What does Madison argue about the nature of factions?

Factions can lead representatives to act in their own interests rather than the public's.

What important transition does Elizabeth Cady Stanton highlight in her speech?

The demand for women's rights, paralleling ideas from the Declaration of Independence.

Which documents does Stanton's language closely mirror?

The Declaration of Independence.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the tax on the Bank of the United States?

The tax was deemed unconstitutional as it interfered with federal operations.

What practical effect does the Necessary and Proper clause have?

It allows the national government to extend its powers beyond those explicitly enumerated.

What contemporary issue does Washington's Farewell Address warn against?

The dangers of political parties and their effects on public liberty.

What summary best reflects Washington's warning about factions?

Washington Warns of Dangerous Party Factions.