AP GOV Unit 1

Big Ideas:

1. The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of government based on federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances to balance power between the national and state governments.

2. The framers sought to limit the power of government while ensuring order and stability.

3. Debates over the Constitution led to compromises and continue to influence political debates today.

1.1: Ideals of Democracy

Key Concepts:

• The U.S. government is based on ideas from the Enlightenment and classical republicanism, emphasizing natural rights, popular sovereignty, social contract, and republicanism.

• Key Philosophers & Theories:

  • John Locke: Natural rights (life, liberty, property), social contract, right to rebel.

  • Montesquieu: Separation of powers, checks and balances.

  • Rousseau: Popular sovereignty (people as the source of government power).

• Key Documents:

  • Declaration of Independence (1776) (Thomas Jefferson)

    • Natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness).

    • Government derives power from the people.

    • Justification for breaking away from Britain.

1.2: Types of Democracy

Different Models of Democracy:

1. Participatory Democracy – Emphasizes broad public participation in politics.

   • Example: Town hall meetings, ballot initiatives, referendums.

2. Pluralist Democracy – Political power is distributed among many competing groups.

   • Example: Interest groups like the NRA, ACLU, or NAACP influencing policy.

3. Elite Democracy – A small number of people (usually wealthy and educated) influence political decision-making.

   • Example: Electoral College, influence of campaign donations.

Connections to U.S. Government:

• The U.S. Constitution reflects a mix of all three models.

• The Federalist Papers argued for elite democracy but included participatory and pluralist elements.

1.3: Government Power & Individual Rights

Key Debates Over the Constitution:

• Articles of Confederation (1781-1789) – Weaknesses:

  • No executive or judicial branch.

  • No power to tax or regulate commerce.

  • Required unanimous consent for amendments.

  • Led to economic chaos and internal conflict (Shays’ Rebellion, 1786).

• Constitutional Convention (1787) – Compromises:

  • Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise):

    • Bicameral legislature (House = based on population; Senate = equal representation).

  • Three-Fifths Compromise:

    • Each enslaved person counted as 3/5 of a person for representation & taxation.

  • Electoral College:

    • Compromise between electing the president by Congress vs. popular vote.

  • Slave Trade Compromise:

    • Congress could not ban the slave trade until 1808.

1.4: The Constitution

Key Principles:

1. Limited Government – Government power is restricted to protect individual rights.

2. Republicanism – People elect representatives to govern.

3. Checks and Balances – Each branch has powers to limit the others.

4. Federalism – Division of power between national and state governments.

5. Separation of Powers – Different branches have distinct responsibilities.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists:

1.5: Ratification of the Constitution

Key Federalist Papers:

• Federalist No. 10 (Madison) – Large republic prevents factions from gaining too much power.

• Federalist No. 51 (Madison) – Separation of powers and checks & balances prevent tyranny.

Key Anti-Federalist Writing:

• Brutus No. 1 – Argued the national government was too powerful and would threaten state sovereignty.

The Bill of Rights (1791):

• First 10 Amendments added to the Constitution to satisfy Anti-Federalists.

• Protect individual liberties from federal overreach (e.g., 1st Amendment: Free speech/religion, 4th Amendment: No unreasonable searches).

1.6: Principles of American Government

Key Constitutional Structures:

1. Separation of Powers:

   • Legislative Branch (Congress) – Makes laws.

   • Executive Branch (President) – Enforces laws.

   • Judicial Branch (Supreme Court) – Interprets laws.

2. Checks and Balances:

   • President can veto laws.

   • Congress can override vetoes.

   • Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional.

1.7: Relationship Between States & National Government

Federalism:

• Dual Federalism (Layer Cake) – National and state governments are separate (1789–1930s).

• Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake) – National and state governments work together (New Deal era).

• New Federalism – Returns power to states (Reagan era).

Key Court Cases:

• McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) – Expanded federal power through the Necessary and Proper Clause and Supremacy Clause.

• United States v. Lopez (1995) – Limited federal power, ruling that the Commerce Clause could not justify a federal gun law.

1.8: Constitutional Interpretations of Federalism

• Commerce Clause: Congress regulates interstate trade.

• Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause): Allows Congress to expand its powers.

• Supremacy Clause: Federal law is the "supreme law of the land."

• 10th Amendment: Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states.

1.9: Federalism in Action

• Categorical Grants – Federal money with strict rules (e.g., Medicaid).

• Block Grants – Federal money with fewer restrictions (e.g., welfare reform).

• Mandates – Federal requirements imposed on states (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act).