AP Government & Politics - Unit 1

Republic

A government where the people elect representatives to make laws, with power limited by a constitution.

Participatory

Broad participation in politics and civil society.

Pluralist

Group-based activism by non-governmental interests trying to influence political decision-making.

Elite

Limited participation in politics and civil society.

Limited Government

Governmental power is restricted by laws– usually through a constitution, which is used to protect individual rights.

Social Contract

The idea that people give up some freedoms to the government in exchange for the protection of their rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The government’s authority comes from the people; therefore, the people rule.

The Declaration of Independence

It announced separation from Britain, justified independence with natural rights and consent of the governed, and listed the king’s abuses.

Articles of Confederation

The Articles created a weak national government with no power to tax or regulate trade, leaving dominant states and a failed system.

Shays’ Rebellion

An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts from 1786-1787, which exposed the weaknesses of the Articles and led to calls for a stronger federal government.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting in Philadelphia (1787), where delegates/state representatives created the U.S. Constitution.

The Great Compromise

Created the bicameral Congress, where the House is based on state population, while the Senate has equal representation.

⅗ Compromise

Enslaved people counted as ⅗ of a person for representation and taxation.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the president. It is a compromise between the popular vote and the choice of Congress.

Importation of Slaves

Congress was not allowed to ban the slave trade until 1808.

Ratification of the Constitution

Required 9/13 states, which the Federalists supported and Anti-Federalists opposed until the Bill of Rights was added.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Legislative Branch

Makes the laws; Congress (House of Representatives + Senate).

Executive Branch

Enforces the laws; headed by the President, includes federal agencies.

Judicial Branch

Interprets the laws; headed by the Supreme Court and other federal courts.

Checks and Balances

Each branch limits the others (ex, veto power in the judicial branch)

Federalism

The division of power between the national and state/local governments

Bicameralism

Made up of two chambers - House of Representatives and Senate

Exclusive Powers

Powers only accessible to Congress - declaration of war, taxation, and trade regulation

Commerce Clause

Congress regulates interstate and foreign commerce.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Congress’s ability to pass laws needed to carry out its powers.

Powers and Duties of the President

Commander-In-Chief, treaties, appointments, enforce laws, and veto power.

Supreme Court

The highest court and is responsible for interpreting the Constitution.

Inferior Courts

Lower federal courts created by Congress.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

Federalists

Supporters of ratifying the Constitution and wanted a stronger central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of ratifying the Constitution without a Bill of Rights, feared a strong central government.

Federalists Papers

Essays written by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison that defended the Constitution.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided and shared between the federal government and state governments.

Delegated

Powers that are given only to the federal government

Concurrent

Powers shared by federal and state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers kept only by state governments.

John Marshall Era (up to 1830s)

established Federal Supremacy, most power to states

Dual Federalism (up to the 1930’s)

keep separate, supreme in own areas, states still strong.

Cooperative Federalism (1933 - 1970s)

state/federal work together to provide goods and services

New Federalism (1970s - present)

Allow states more freedom, BLOCK GRANTS

Block Grants

Federal grants of money to states for a general purpose with less control and oversight of the money.

Categorical Grants

Federal grants of money for a specific purpose, where there is increased federal oversight and control of the money.

Federal Mandates

A way to incentivize states to do something

Funded Mandates

The federal government pays states to comply.

Unfunded Mandates

States must comply without federal money.

Implied Powers

Not listed but are derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Police Powers (10th Amendment)

States’ authority to regulate health, safety, and morals.

Reserved Powers (10th Amendment)

All powers not given to the federal government are left to the states or the people.

Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment)

States are required to give equal protection under the law to all people.

Due Process Clause (14th Amendment)

States cannot deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without fair legal process.

Citizenship Clause (14th Amendment)

Anyone born or naturalized in the U.S. is an American citizen.

Current Events

USA History

the evolution of state and federal power throughout history

Brutus 1

Warns a large republic threatens liberty; favors small, local gov’ts closer to people.

Federalist 10

Warns a large republic threatens liberty; favors small, local gov’ts closer to people.

Federalist 51

Separation of powers + checks and balances stop any branch from dominating.

The Constitution

Blueprint of U.S. government: limited government, popular sovereignty, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances.

Declaration of Independence

Marbury v Madison

Established judicial review; courts can strike down unconstitutional laws.

McCulloch v Maryland

Congress can create bank (Necessary & Proper); states can’t tax fed government (Supremacy). Strengthened federal power.

U.S. v Lopez

Struck down Gun-Free School Zones Act; guns in schools not “commerce.” Limited Congress, boosted state authority.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must respect the laws and judicial decisions of other states.

Amendment Process

The Constitution can be changed, but it requires a proposal by Congress or the states and ratification by the states.