Study Notes: AP US Gov Unit 1 - Foundations of American Democracy

Enlightenment

An 18th-century movement favoring reason over tradition.

Limited Government

A political system where governmental power is restricted by a constitution.

Natural Rights

Rights that belong to all people from birth, often described as unalienable.

John Locke

Philosopher who advocated for natural rights to 'Life, Liberty, and Property'.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government draws its authority from the consent of the people.

Republicanism

A system where the government derives its authority from elected representatives.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain obligations.

Preamble

The introductory statement of the Declaration of Independence, establishing natural rights.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising led by farmers protesting economic injustices and weak federal authority.

The Great Compromise

The agreement to create a bicameral legislature featuring population-based and equal representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

The agreement to count enslaved people as 3/5ths of a person for representation and taxation.

Electoral College

A system established for electing the President, where electors represent states in voting.

Federalism

The distribution of power between the national government and state governments.

Separation of Powers

A principle of government where powers are divided among different branches.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful.

Dual Federalism

A model of federalism where federal and state governments operate independently.

Cooperative Federalism

A model of federalism where national and state governments share responsibilities.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Grants Congress implied powers to enact laws deemed necessary to executing its enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

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

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress as outlined in the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary for carrying out enumerated powers.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the authority to regulate interstate commerce.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for a specific purpose, often with strict regulations.

Block Grants

Federal funds allocated for broad purposes, allowing states more flexibility.

Unfunded Mandate

A requirement imposed by the federal government without providing funds for implementation.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A landmark case confirming the federal government's implied powers and supremacy.

United States v. Lopez

A Supreme Court decision limiting federal power under the Commerce Clause.

Federalist No. 10

Madison's essay arguing that a large republic can control factions and protect minority rights.

Federalist No. 51

Madison's contribution discussing checks and balances and separation of powers.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist paper warning against a strong central government threatening individual liberties.

The Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, establishing a weak federal government.

Ratification

The formal approval process of the Constitution by the states.

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition

Madison's principle for ensuring checks and balances in government.

Social Contract Theory

The philosophical idea explaining the formation of societies based on agreements for mutual benefits.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties.

Participatory Democracy

A model emphasizing broad citizen participation in political decision-making.

Pluralist Democracy

A model recognizing the role of groups in influencing political decisions.

Elite Democracy

A model where a small number of wealthy individuals dominate political processes.

Amendment Process

The method by which the Constitution can be changed or added to.

Taxation without Representation

Colonial grievance against the British that contributed to the American Revolution.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

Political Factions

Groups of individuals with shared interests that can conflict with the rights of others.

General Will

Rousseau's concept where collective interests of the populace guide the government.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 meeting where the U.S. Constitution was drafted.

Majority Rule

A fundamental democratic principle stating that the majority's decision should prevail.