ap gov unit 1 constitution and federalism

define the five ideals of democracy (NOT principles of american government)

popular sovereignty, limited government, natural rights, social contract, republicanism

popular sovereignty

people are source of government

limited government

having only powers given

natural rights

rights everyone has since birth (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness)

social contract

people give up some of their rights in exchange for the government to protect them

republicanism

people elect representatives to make decisions

define the three types of democracies

participatory democracy, elite democracy, and pluralist democracy

participatory democracy

participation by citizens

elite democracy

a few, often wealthy or educated, control decisions

pluralist democracy

groups (like interest groups) influence government decisions

what are the benefits and disadvantages of participatory democracy

benefits: more voice

disadvantages: harder to manage larger populations

what are the benefits and disadvantages of elite democracy

benefits: efficient

disadvantages: limited representation for the average person

what are the benefits and disadvantages of pluralist democracy

benefits: better group representation for specific issues

disadvantages: can favor powerful groups who have more funding

how was the articles of confederation structured?

weak central government, most power with the states

what were the weaknesses of the articles of confederation?

no power to tax, no strong executive, difficult to pass laws

what are the differences between the articles of CONFEDERATION and the articles of CONSTITUTION?

The Articles of Confederation had a weak central government, while the Constitution created a stronger one.

The article of confederation was made weakly with limited government and focusing on states rights as the founders were scared of tyranny, but articles of constitution was later made to be stronger

what problems were exposed by shay’s rebellion?

it showed the need for a stronger national government to deal with uprisings and protect property

what was the great compromise?

combination of new jersey plan and virginia plan; it was a bicameral (two-house) congress senate with equal representation, house with representation based on population

virginia plan

Bicameral with both house’s representation based on population, favored larger states.

new jersey plan

Unicameral with representation for each state no matter the population, benefiting smaller states.

what was the long term effect of the 3/5th compromise?

it gave Southern states more power in government because it counted enslaved people as part of the population, but it also kept slavery going

what is the 3/5th compromise?

it counted slaves as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxes

what is the process for amending the constitution?

proposed by 2/3rd of congress, ratified by 3/4th of states

define the principles of american government

separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, popular sovereignty, limited government

separation of power

power is dispersed among the 3 branches; dependent on each other but don’t trust each other

checks and balances

each branch of government limits the power of the other branches

federalism

government powers split between national government and states

what is the purpose of separation of power?

it prevents one branch from becoming too powerful by dividing responsibilities

what’s the difference between ideals of democracy and american principles

Democracy: Ideals like equality and freedom.

American Principles: How the U.S. tries to achieve those ideals, but doesn't always succeed.

legislative on executive

override veto, impeach

executive on judicial

appoint judges, pardon power

judicial on legislative

declare laws unconstitutional, interpret laws

legislative on judicial

impeach judges, create lower courts

executive on legislative

veto bills

judicial on executive

can declare laws unconstitutional

exclusive power

only the federal government (declaring war, military, currency)

concurrent power

shared by both federal government and states (taxing, borrowing money, defining crime)

reserved power

only the states (education, drivers licenses, voting laws)

categorical grant

funds by government for states for a SPECIFIC purpose (pencils)

block grant

funds by government for states with a general purpose (anything for schools)

mandate

not necessarily funded, HAS to be done (roads)

what are the benefits and disadvantages of categorical grants?

benefit: ensures money is spent on priorities

disadvantages: strict

what are the benefits and disadvantages of block grants?

benefits: more freedom

disadvantages: could be used for other purposed

what are the benefits and disadvantages of mandates?

benefits: ensures that states comply

disadvantages: strains state budget

necessary and proper clause

congress can make laws to execute its powers

supremacy clause

federal law overrules state laws

commerce clause

congress regulates interstate and international trade

what is the overall purpose of necessary and proper clause?

it allows implied powers for congress, allows government to adapt

what was the decision in mcculloh v maryland?

congress could establish a national bank, and states couldn’t tax it

what was the effect of mcculloh v maryland?

it strengthened federal authority and the use of implied powers

what is the constitutional principle of us v lopez?

commerce clause (limited congress power saying that not all activities are interstate commerce)

what are the advantages and disadvantages of federalism?

advantages: local control and checks on central power

disadvantages: lead to unequal policies across states

how has federalism changed over time?

shifts from more state control to more federal congrol

how does the federal government ensure state compliance with its goals?

by using grants to encourage states to follow national policies

what is shay’s rebellion?

farmers lost their farms due to foreclosures and unpaid taxes. they were mad about high taxes so they rebelled