AP U.S Government & Politics

What were the main beliefs of the Anti-Federalists regarding the Constitution?

They opposed the Constitution, favored a weak national government, direct elections, shorter terms, and strengthened protections for individual liberties.

Who were key figures among the Federalists and what was their stance on the Bill of Rights?

Key figures included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay; they supported the Constitution and believed a Bill of Rights was unnecessary.

Define Participatory Democracy.

A democratic model that emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society.

What does the 10th Amendment state?

It states that powers not delegated to the United States nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people.

What is Federalism?

A system of government in which authority is divided between two sovereign levels: federal and state governments.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

It allows Congress to pass laws to carry out its implied powers.

What was the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

The Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot tax a federal institution, affirming federal supremacy over state laws.

What was the outcome of U.S. v. Lopez (1995)?

The Supreme Court sided with Lopez, ruling that gun regulation on school property was a power reserved for the states.

What are formal powers of the President?

These include being Commander in Chief, granting pardons, making treaties, appointing ambassadors and judges, and vetoing legislation.

What is the Bully Pulpit?

The President's use of their position to shape public opinion and promote their political agenda.

What is Gerrymandering?

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

What does the term 'Coalitions' refer to in the context of Congress?

Groups formed by members of Congress often based on party affiliation or shared interests.

Identify two types of models for representation in Congress.

The Delegate Model, which focuses on voting according to constituents' wishes, and the Trustee Model, which allows representatives to make decisions based on their own judgment.

What is meant by the term 'Checks and Balances' in Congress?

The system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

What was the primary stance of the Anti-Federalists regarding the Constitution?

They opposed the ratification of the Constitution.

What kind of national government did the Anti-Federalists favor?

A weak national government.

What did Anti-Federalists advocate for concerning elections and governmental terms?

They advocated for direct elections and shorter terms for officeholders.

What did the Anti-Federalists seek to strengthen in relation to individuals?

They sought strengthened protections for individual liberties.

Who were some key figures among the Federalists?

James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.

What was the Federalists' stance on the Constitution?

They supported the Constitution.

What was the Federalists' view on the necessity of a Bill of Rights?

They believed a Bill of Rights was unnecessary.

Define Participatory Democracy.

A democratic model emphasizing broad participation in politics and civil society.

What does the 10th Amendment state about governmental powers?

It states that powers not delegated to the United States nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people.

What is Federalism?

A system of government in which authority is divided between two sovereign levels: federal and state governments.

What is the primary purpose of the Necessary and Proper Clause?

It allows Congress to pass laws to carry out its implied powers.

What concept is closely related to the Necessary and Proper Clause that expands Congress's legislative capacity?

Implied powers, which are powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred as necessary to achieve objectives.

What was a key ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) regarding state powers over federal institutions?

The Supreme Court ruled that a state cannot tax a federal institution.

What significant principle was affirmed by the Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Federal supremacy over state laws.

What type of regulation was the central issue in U.S. v. Lopez (1995)?

Gun regulation on school property.

According to the Supreme Court's ruling in U.S. v. Lopez (1995), which level of government has the authority to regulate guns on school property?

That power was reserved for the states.

Which formal power designates the President as the head of the armed forces?

Being Commander in Chief.

What is a formal power of the President related to the judicial system?

Granting pardons and appointing judges.

What are some formal powers of the President concerning foreign policy?

Making treaties and appointing ambassadors.

What formal power allows the President to reject legislation passed by Congress?

Vetoing legislation.

What is the 'Bully Pulpit'?

The President's use of their position to shape public opinion and promote their political agenda.

What is Gerrymandering?

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

What does the term 'Coalitions' refer to in the context of Congress?

Groups formed by members of Congress often based on party affiliation or shared interests.

Define the Delegate Model of representation.

A model where representatives primarily vote according to their constituents' wishes.

Define the Trustee Model of representation.

A model where representatives make decisions based on their own judgment, believing it to be in the best interest of their constituents.

What is the main purpose of 'Checks and Balances' in the U.S. government?

To ensure no single branch of government becomes too powerful.