AP Gov & Politics – Unit 1 Exam Study Guide

1. Popular Consent

  • The idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. Citizens agree to be governed, often expressed through voting.

2. Popular Sovereignty

  • The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the people. It is central to democratic governance.

3. Majority Rule

  • A foundational democratic principle where the preferences of the majority dictate public policy, balanced by protections for minority rights.

4. Limited Government

  • A political system where legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers, typically in a constitution.

5. Confederacy

  • A union of sovereign states, united for purposes of common action often with limited central authority. Example: the Articles of Confederation.

6. Republic vs. Democracy

  • Republic: Representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people.

  • Democracy: Direct participation or voting by citizens on laws and policies.

7. The Four Theories of “Who Governs in America?”

  • Pluralist Theory: Many groups compete and counterbalance each other.

  • Elite Theory: Wealthy and powerful elites influence policies.

  • Hyperpluralism: Too many groups lead to weakened government.

  • Bureaucratic Theory: Bureaucracies hold significant power due to expertise.

8. Articles of Confederation

  • First U.S. government; created a loose confederation with a weak central authority.

  • Weaknesses: Lack of power to tax, no executive branch, difficult to amend.

9. Constitutional Convention – Compromises

  • Great Compromise: Bicameral legislature (House by population, Senate equal).

  • 3/5 Compromise: Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation.

  • Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise: Limited Congress’s power over trade and slavery for 20 years.

10. Federalism

  • Division of power between the national government and state governments.

11. Separation of Powers

  • The distribution of governmental powers among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

12. Checks and Balances

  • Each branch has powers to check the others to prevent dominance.

  • Examples: Presidential veto, judicial review, Senate’s confirmation of appointments.

13. Federalist vs. Antifederalist Argument

  • Federalists: Supported a strong central government and the Constitution.

  • Antifederalists: Feared central power, advocating for a Bill of Rights.

14. The Federalist Papers – Federalist 10 & 51

  • Federalist 10: Advocates for a large republic to control factions.

  • Federalist 51: Emphasizes checks and balances and separation of powers.

15. Brutus 1

  • Anti-Federalist essay warned that a large central government would be oppressive and lead to tyranny.

16. The Preamble

  • Intro to the Constitution, outlining the purpose: justice, peace, defense, welfare, liberty.

17. Electoral College

  • The body that formally elects the President. Each state’s electors = number of representatives + senators.

18. Habeas Corpus, Bills of Attainder, Ex Post Facto Laws

  • Habeas Corpus: Right to be brought before a judge if detained.

  • Bills of Attainder: Laws declaring guilt without a trial; prohibited.

  • Ex Post Facto Laws: Laws criminalizing past actions; prohibited.

19. Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

  • Allows Congress to pass laws necessary for executing its enumerated powers, enabling flexibility.

20. Supremacy Clause

  • Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the “supreme law of the land.”

21. Full Faith and Credit Clause

  • States must respect other states’ laws and judicial rulings (e.g., marriage licenses).

22. Senators and Representatives’ Terms

  • Senators: 6-year terms.

  • Representatives: 2-year terms.

23. Methods of Choosing Officials According to the Original Constitution

  • House of Representatives: Directly elected by the people.

  • Senators: Originally chosen by state legislatures; now elected by popular vote (17th Amendment).

  • Federal Judges: Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

24. Amending the Constitution

  • Two ways: Proposal by 2/3 of both Houses or a convention; ratification by 3/4 of states.

25. Powers Granted to Congress

  • Includes taxation, defense, interstate commerce, coining money, and declaring war.

26. Where Tax Bills Begin

  • Originate in the House of Representatives (per the Origination Clause).