INTRO to AP Test 1 SG CH 1, 2, 3, & 4 Flashcards
What is government?
It describes the means by which a society organizes itself and how it allocates authority in order to accomplish collective goals and provide benefits that the society as a whole needs.
What is politics?
It refers to the process of gaining and exercising control within a government for the purpose of setting and achieving particular goals, especially those related to the division of resources within a nation.
What are the essential characteristics of a democracy?
- Free and fair elections.
- Protection of individual rights.
(State is dependent upon the individual). - Equality under the law.
(“Equal protection” and “due process”). - Majority rule with minority rights.
What are checks and balances?
Each of three branches of government the power to restrict the actions of the others, thus requiring them to work together.
What is separation of power?
It divides the national government into three separate branches and assigning different responsibilities to each one (executive, legislative, & judicial)
Is it necessary that democracies have “checks and balances” and “separation of powers?”
It achieved limited government and protects the people from governmental abuses
Republic
A democracy where the
ultimate power rests with the public.
Representative Democracy
A political system in which citizens of a country or other political entity vote for representatives to handle legislation and otherwise rule that entity on their behalf.
What is classical liberalism?
Democratic principles, Individualism (Laissez-faire), and a belief in limited central authority.
What is contemporary liberalism?
A belief in the positive uses of government and how it needed to protect and secure individuals civil rights, “progressivism.”
What is conservatism?
Usually suspicious of activist government, the belief in free markets/private sector/traditional social values and is a part of “classical liberal” tradition.
What is libertarianism?
Skepticism of all government activity (suspicious of authority, in general).
What is capitalism?
An economic system based on private ownership of property in business and believe in profit, “Laissez-faire” government policy, and free markets (factories, mines, and railroads)
What is socialism?
An economic system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated by the community as a whole (Public Education).
What does “Laissez-Faire” refer to?
The less the government is involved in the economy the better
What was the “Articles of Confederation?”
It was America’s first constitution (the voluntary institution of independent states).
What were the “Articles of Confederation” weaknesses?
It had a weak central/national government and the states had most of the power, no congressional right to tax, and inability to raise $ for the militia.
What was the Presidency like under this “AoC” constitution?
There was no national leader (no president/executive branch).
What was the national judiciary like under the “AoC”?
There was no judicial branch (only state courts).
Where did the “AoC” place most of the power?
In the state because it was a Unicameral Congress
How does the “AoC” compare to the U.S. Constitution that was drafted in 1787?
It is weak compare to the present constitution, federal government (equal power), congress the power to tax, raise armies and navies, and regulate commerce.
What was “Shays’ Rebellion”?
A protest conducted by the county folk perceiving the unjust economic policies and political corruption of the Massachusetts state legislature under the “AoC” (1786).
How did Shay’s rebellion call for a revision of the Articles of Confederation?
The tax protest demonstrated that the federal government, under the Articles of Confederation, couldn’t effectively put down an internal rebellion.
Who were the Federalists and what did they want?
The federalist were the founding fathers for a new constitution, and they wanted a new document setting up a stronger central government.
What were the Federalist Papers?
Essays written in support of Federalist views.
Who were the Anti-Federalists and what did they want?
They were suspicious of a stronger center and feared for their individual rights. They wanted a compromised version/ratification of the “AoC” and a Bill of Rights.
What are some examples of “checks and balances?” Who is checking who? Are each essential to democracies?
Vetoes (e) and Veto overrides (l). Impeachment (e). Judicial appointments (e). Judicial review (l). Declares laws unconstitutional (j).
