AP Government Study Guide Unit One: Constitutional Underpinnings

Constitutional Underpinnings and Principles of Democracy

• Direct Democracy: Citizens meet and vote directly on government decisions.
• Representative Democracy (Republic): Citizens elect officials to make decisions on government policy.
• Magna Carta (1215): First attempt to limit the power of the British King; guaranteed certain rights to all people.
• Enlightenment Philosophers:
  • Locke and Rousseau: Developed the Social Contract Theory, stating that people enter a social contract with the government.
  • Consent of the Governed: Rulers depend on the people's approval; citizens can change the government if it fails to protect rights.
  • Natural Rights: All people are born with rights to life, liberty, and property (Jefferson altered property to "pursuit of happiness").
• Declaration of Independence: Justified the American Revolution based on principles of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
• Common Good: Striving for the best interests of the nation.
• Popular Sovereignty: Ultimate authority rests with the people.
• Majority Rule: Government operates based on the dictates of the majority.

The First Government and Articles of Confederation

• Articles of Confederation: A weak association of states with significant independence.
  • No central executive power.
  • No federal authority to tax citizens directly.
  • Government could raise an army (but could not pay for it), print money, declare war, and run the post office.
  • Laws required a majority vote (9 out of 13 states).
  • States could get away with creating taxes and treaties due to weak central governance.
  • Shays’ Rebellion: A rebellion in Massachusetts (1786-1787) protesting economic issues, showcasing the weaknesses of the Articles.

Constitutional Debate and Convention (1787)

• Convened in Philadelphia to create a new constitution.
• Supported Representative Democracy with three branches:
  • Executive: Carries out laws.
  • Legislative: Passes laws.
  • Judicial: Interprets laws.
• Heated debate between Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists concerning the new government structure.
  • Federalists (e.g., Hamilton, Madison): Advocated for a strong central government with the Constitution.
  • Anti-Federalists: Opposed the Constitution fearing it would create a tyrannical national government.
  • Federalist Papers: Series of essays promoting the Constitution including discussions on factions and checks and balances (notably Madison's works).

Constitutional Principles and Structure

• Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the Constitution addressing these issues:
  • Congress Powers: Congress can now tax directly and regulate interstate trade.
  • Federal Ownership: Power separated between federal, state, and local governments (Federalism).
• Articles of the Constitution:
  • Article I: Legislative Branch.
  • Article II: Executive Branch.
  • Article III: Judicial Branch.
  • Article IV: State Relations.
  • Article V: Amendment Process.
• Separation of Powers: Each branch has its own powers and responsibilities.
• Checks and Balances: Each branch has influence over the others to avoid dominance.
• Federal Powers: Include Express, Implied, and Inherent powers, detailing government authority in various spheres.