AP Gov: Foundational Documents, Federalism, and Landmark Cases

Factions

Groups of people with similar interests.

Large republic

Best way to control factions because it dilutes their power.

Energetic executive

Need ONE energetic executive to act quickly, enforce laws, and be accountable.

Judicial branch

Life terms → independent, insulated from politics.

Judiciary

Weakest branch; relies on others to enforce its decisions.

Power of judicial review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution.

Articles of Confederation

Weak central government: no power to tax, no national military.

Unanimous consent to amend

Needed unanimous consent to amend → ineffective.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law > state law.

Necessary & Proper Clause

Congress can create laws needed to carry out enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

Major source of federal expansion.

Full Faith & Credit

States respect each other's laws/records.

Bill of Rights (1-10)

Know basics: speech, religion, press, bear arms, rights of accused, etc.

14th Amendment

Due process (states must follow fair procedures) and equal protection (no discrimination).

24th Amendment

No poll taxes.

Voting Rights Act (1965)

Removed literacy tests + barriers to minority voting.

4th Amendment Exclusionary Rule

Improperly collected evidence can't be used (Mapp v. Ohio).

Federalism

Power shared between federal + state government.

Concurrent powers

Shared by fed + state (taxes, courts).

Delegated (Enumerated) powers

Written in Constitution for federal government.

Reserved powers

State powers (education, elections).

Exclusive powers

Only federal power (pardon, treaties).

Implied powers

Not written but necessary (McCulloch v. Maryland).

Congress Powers

Make laws, declare war, collect taxes.

Supreme Court Powers

Judicial review and interprets Constitution.

Presidential Powers

Commander in chief, pardons, veto, executive agreements & orders, bully pulpit.

Discretionary Authority

Agencies decide how to enforce rules.

Rule-Making Authority

Agencies create regulations that act like laws.

Speaker of the House

Most powerful in the House of Representatives.

Filibuster

Talking bill to death.

Cloture

60 votes to stop filibuster.

Delegate representation model

Vote how constituents want.

Trustee representation model

Vote based on personal judgment.

Politico representation model

Mix of both delegate and trustee.

Selective incorporation

McDonald v. Chicago; incorporation of 2nd Amendment (due process).

Pentagon Papers

NYT v. US; strengthened free press.

Clear and present danger

Schenck v. US; speech can be restricted if causing this.

One person, one vote

Baker v. Carr; redistricting = justiciable.

Incumbency Advantage

Name recognition, funding, gerrymandering.