AP GOV UNIT 1

What were key weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Could not levy taxes or regulate commerce; each state had one vote in Congress; required 9 of 13 votes to pass measures; lacked a strong military.

What was Shay’s Rebellion?

A response to a debt crisis among citizens opposing state government's efforts to collect taxes.

Who were some influential Enlightenment philosophers in shaping the Constitution?

Locke, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Rousseau.

What is the significance of the Commerce and Slave Trade Clause?

It was necessary for regulating trade and balancing interests between Northern and Southern states.

What are enumerated powers?

Powers explicitly granted to the national government by the Constitution.

Define federalism.

A system where power is evenly split between national and state governments.

What is the key idea behind the 10th Amendment?

Powers not given explicitly to the national government are reserved for the states and the people.

What was the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland?

The federal government has implied powers to charter a national bank; states cannot tax federal institutions.

What is nullification?

The idea that states can invalidate federal laws they believe are unconstitutional.

What distinguishes cooperative federalism from dual federalism?

Cooperative federalism involves collaboration between national, state, and local governments, while dual federalism separates powers distinctly.

What are categorical grants?

Specific grants with strict guidelines from the federal government.

What are block grants?

Broad grants that allow states flexibility in deciding how to spend the funds.

What does the Necessary and Proper Clause do?

Grants Congress implied powers to make laws necessary for executing its enumerated powers.

What was the impact of US v. Lopez?

It was the first time the Court restricted Congress's broad interpretation of the Commerce Clause.

In the context of government, what is a dictatorship?

A system where one person holds all power and there is no legislature.

What is a democracy?

A system where power is given to the people.