AP GOV

Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

1. Ideals of Democracy

   • Natural rights: Rights inherent to all humans, regardless of government. Key philosophers: John Locke (life, liberty, property), Thomas Hobbes
   • Popular sovereignty: The idea that the government's power comes from the people.
   • Republicanism: Representative form of government based on the consent of the governed.
   • Social contract: Agreement where individuals give up some freedoms for government protection.

2. Types of Democracy

   • Participatory democracy: Emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society.
   • Pluralist democracy: Recognizes group-based activism striving to impact political decision-making.
   • Elite democracy: Limited participation in politics and civil society; decisions made by elected representatives.

3. The Constitution

   • Compromises:
     • Great (Connecticut) Compromise: Bicameral legislature (House based on population, Senate with equal representation).
     • Electoral College: A body of electors representing the states who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.
     • Three-Fifths Compromise: Agreement to count three-fifths of a state’s slaves for representation and taxation purposes.
   • Separation of Powers: Distributing powers among different branches (legislative, executive, judicial).
   • Checks and Balances: Each branch can limit the power of the other branches.
   • Federalism: Division of power between national and state governments.
   • Ratification: Federalists (favored the Constitution) vs. Anti-Federalists (opposed it).
     • Federalist Papers: Essays arguing for ratification; e.g., Federalist No. 10 (factions) and Federalist No. 51 (separation of powers).

Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

1. Congress

   • Enumerated/Expressed Powers: Powers specifically listed in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8).
   • Implied Powers: Powers not specifically listed but necessary to fulfill enumerated powers (Necessary and Proper Clause).
   • Lawmaking Process: Introduction, committee review, floor debate, passage in both houses, presidential approval.
   • Congressional Committees: Standing, joint, conference, and select committees.
   • Party Leadership: Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, whips.

2. Presidency

   • Formal Powers: Commander-in-chief, treaty negotiation, appointment of officials, veto power.
   • Informal Powers: Executive agreements, executive orders, signing statements.
   • Checks on Power: Congressional oversight, judicial review.

3. Judiciary

   • Judicial Review: Power to declare laws unconstitutional (established in Marbury v. Madison).
   • Structure: District courts, circuit courts of appeal, Supreme Court.
   • Appointment Process: Nominated by President, confirmed by Senate.

Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

1. Bill of Rights

   • First Amendment: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
     • Establishment Clause: Prohibits government from establishing a religion.
     • Free Exercise Clause: Protects individuals' right to practice their religion.
   • Second Amendment: Right to bear arms.
   • Fourth Amendment: Protection against unreasonable search and seizure.
   • Fifth Amendment: Protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; due process.
   • Sixth Amendment: Right to a speedy and public trial.
   • Eighth Amendment: Protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
   • Fourteenth Amendment: Guarantees equal protection and due process.

2. Civil Rights

   • Landmark Legislation:
     • Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
     • Voting Rights Act of 1965: Prohibits racial discrimination in voting.
   • Affirmative Action: Policies designed to address past and present discrimination.

Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

1. Political Ideologies

   • Liberalism: Emphasizes individual rights and liberties, social justice, and government intervention in the economy.
   • Conservatism: Emphasizes traditional values, limited government, and individual responsibility.
   • Socialism: Advocates for public ownership and control of the means of production.
   • Libertarianism: Maximizes individual liberty with minimal government intervention.

2. Political Socialization

   • Factors: Family, education, peers, media, religion.
   • Public Opinion: Measured through polls and surveys.

Unit 5: Political Participation

1. Voting and Elections

   • Suffrage: Expansion of voting rights over time.
   • Voter Turnout: Factors influencing voter turnout (age, education, income, etc.).
   • Electoral College: How it works and its impact on presidential elections.

2. Political Parties

   • Functions: Nominating candidates, mobilizing voters, providing a platform.
   • Party Systems: Two-party system in the U.S.

3. Interest Groups

   • Types: Economic