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 (lifelife, libertyliberty, propertyproperty), 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