AP Gov Unit 1 Flashcards
What is Limited Government?
Government power is restricted by law (e.g., Constitution, Bill of Rights). Prevents tyranny.
What are Natural Rights?
Life, liberty, and property (John Locke). Rights people inherently possess.
What is Popular Sovereignty?
The authority of government comes from the people (consent of the governed).
What is Republicanism?
A government where citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf.
What is the Social Contract?
Agreement between the government and the governed; people give up some freedom for protection of rights.
What is Participatory Democracy?
Broad participation of citizens in politics (e.g., town halls, initiatives).
What is Pluralist Democracy?
Many groups compete to influence policy (e.g., interest groups like the NRA or Sierra Club).
What is Elite Democracy?
Limited participation; wealthy or educated elites dominate politics.
What is a Faction?
Group with distinct political interests; warned about in Federalist No. 10 (Madison feared majority factions oppressing minorities).
What is a Federalist?
Supported ratification of the Constitution, strong central government.
What is an Anti-Federalist?
Opposed the Constitution, feared central government overreach; demanded Bill of Rights.
What is Federalism?
Division of power between federal and state governments.
What are Checks and Balances?
Each branch can limit the powers of the other two (vetoes, appointments, judicial review).
What is the Separation of Powers?
Division of powers among legislative, executive, judicial branches to avoid tyranny.
What were the Articles of Confederation?
First constitution; weak central government (no taxing power, no standing army).
What was Shays’s Rebellion?
1786 rebellion of farmers; exposed weakness of Articles (no federal power to stop it).
What was the Great Compromise?
Bicameral legislature — House (by population), Senate (equal representation).
What is the Electoral College?
System to elect the President; balances influence of populous vs. small states.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
3/5 of enslaved population counted for representation and taxation.
What is the Amendment Process?
Constitution can be changed (⅔ Congress, ¾ states).
What is Congress?
Legislative branch; writes laws.
What is the role of The President?
Executive branch; enforces laws.
What is the Federal Judiciary?
Interprets laws (Supreme Court).
What are the core structures of American Government?
Checks and Balances + Separation of Powers: Core structure to balance power.
