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.