ap gov midterm

Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

Democratic Ideals of the Enlightenment (1.1)

  • Locke and Montesquieu: Locke advocated for natural rights (life, liberty, property), and Montesquieu proposed separation of powers to prevent tyranny.

  • Natural rights: Rights inherent to all people, not granted by the government.

  • Social contract: Agreement between people and government for mutual protection of rights.

  • Popular sovereignty: Authority of government comes from the consent of the governed.

  • Limited government: Government powers are restricted by law.

  • Republicanism: A government where representatives are elected to serve the public interest.

Models of Democracy (1.2)

  • Participatory: Broad citizen participation in policymaking.

  • Pluralist: Policy is shaped by competing interest groups.

  • Elite: A small group of wealthy or educated individuals influence policy.

Government Power vs. Individual Rights (1.3)

  • Federalists: Supported a strong central government (e.g., Hamilton).

  • Anti-Federalists: Favored stronger state governments and individual rights (e.g., Jefferson).

Articles of Confederation (1.4)

  • Failures: Weak federal government (no power to tax or regulate trade).

  • Shays’ Rebellion: Highlighted inability to address uprisings due to lack of a federal army.

Ratification of the Constitution (1.5)

  • Great Compromise: Created a bicameral legislature (House for population, Senate for states).

  • 3/5 Compromise: Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation; postponed addressing slavery.

  • Electoral College: Indirect election of the president.

  • Amendment process: Requires proposal (2/3 Congress) and ratification (3/4 states).

Principles of American Government (1.6)

  • Separation of powers: Legislative, executive, and judicial branches have distinct roles.

  • Checks and balances: Branches can limit each other’s powers.

Basics of Federalism (1.7)

  • Enumerated vs. Implied Powers: Enumerated are listed; implied are inferred (e.g., Necessary and Proper Clause).

  • Exclusive vs. Reserved vs. Concurrent Powers: Exclusive (federal), reserved (state), concurrent (shared).

Fiscal Federalism (1.7)

  • Revenue sharing: Federal funds shared with states.

  • Block grants vs. Categorical grants: Block (broad use), categorical (specific purposes).

  • Mandates: Federal requirements imposed on states (funded or unfunded).

Constitutional Interpretations of Federalism (1.8)

  • Commerce Clause: Congress regulates interstate commerce.

  • Necessary and Proper Clause: Congress can make laws to carry out powers.

  • Supremacy Clause: Federal law supersedes state law.

Federalism in Action (1.9)

  • Access points: Multiple levels of government provide citizen access to influence policy.

  • Policymaking: Interaction of national, state, and local governments.

Unit 1 Required Documents and SCOTUS Cases

  • Declaration of Independence: Declared colonial independence; based on Enlightenment ideals.

  • U.S. Constitution: Framework of government and federalism.

  • Federalist No. 10: Advocates for a large republic to control factions.

  • Brutus No. 1: Warns against a strong central government.

  • Federalist No. 51: Explains checks and balances and separation of powers.

  • McCulloch v. Maryland:

    • Facts: Maryland taxed the national bank; McCulloch refused to pay.

    • Legal Question: Can Congress create a national bank? Can a state tax it?

    • Outcome: Established implied powers; states can’t tax federal institutions.

  • U.S. v. Lopez:

    • Facts: Student charged for bringing a gun to school under federal law.

    • Legal Question: Did the Gun-Free School Zones Act exceed Congress’s commerce power?

    • Outcome: Limited Congress’s use of the Commerce Clause.

Unit 2: Interaction Among Branches of Government

House vs. Senate (2.1)

  • Article 1: Defines legislative powers.

  • Qualifications and Terms: House (2 years, 25+ years old); Senate (6 years, 30+ years old).

  • Representation: House (population); Senate (equal).

  • Powers: House (initiate revenue bills); Senate (approve treaties, confirm appointments).

Legislative Process (2.2)

  • Committees: Specialized groups review legislation.

  • Speaker of the House: Presides over the House, sets agenda.

  • Unanimous Consent: Quick approval in Senate.

  • Filibuster/Cloture: Filibuster delays action; cloture ends it (60 votes).

  • Conference Committee: Resolves differences between House and Senate bills.