AP Gov Unit 1

people give up some freedoms in trade for the government’s protection

The government rules at the consent of whom they govern

Rights that one is born with. John Locke believed these rights were life, liberty, and pursuit of property

The people elect leaders to represent them in government. They can re-elect leaders they like, and remove leaders they don’t by voting for someone else

Division of power between the national, state and local governments

A government system that is not as involved in citizens’ lives. For example, they might spend less money on welfare programs like Social Security

Groups of people that do things for their own benefit and not for the best interest of the country

A philosopher who believed that all people are entitled to natural rights and the rulers who do not provide these rights for the people should be removed. He supported democracy, political equality, majority rule and individual liberty

A philosopher who believed a government was necessary because life without it would be “nasty, brutish and short.” He supported a monarchy

A formal declaration of war between America and Great Britain. Supported national rights, equality, and the idea that the government must protect individual rights

Had a small central government and gave power to the states, it was the first government system for Americans after becoming free from the British. There was no executive or judicial branch

Addresses dangers of factions + how to protect minority factions in a nation ruled by the majority, argues that a large republic keeps any single faction from taking control

Was about the necessity of checks and balances and separation of powers and how they keep one branch from getting too powerful

Was about how energy in the executive branch is needed so that the single executive can make quick decisions. This is why a single executive is better than multiple rulers

The judicial branch will be the weakest branch without judicial review. The executive branch has the “power of the sword” (commander in chief of the military) and the legislative has the “power of the purse” (power of taxing and spending money). Since the judicial branch has neither, they will be unable to check the powers of the other branches without judicial review

A small national government and more power given to the states is necessary to keep the national government from infringing on people’s liberties. Also, the states can serve better direct needs for citizens

Gave power to the central government instead of the states, had checks and balances + separation of powers

Establishes the legislative branch

Establishes the executive branch

Establishes the judicial branch

Describes federalism

Division of power between judicial, executive and legislative branches. For example, Congress creates laws and the President enforces them

Ways to check the powers of the other branches to make sure one branch doesn’t become too powerful. For example, the Supreme Court can strike down congressional laws if they find them unconstitutional

A democracy where citizens can directly vote for policy (referendums and ballot measures)

Groups fighting against each other for power or to influence policy (interest groups)

The wealthy/educated have more influence in democracy/public policy than the average citizen (electoral college)

Citizens control the government and there are no representatives. This is not shown in the US government

Congress did not have enough power to make decisions and were not able to enforce tax collection from states. Congress was unable to pay back war debts. It was also too difficult to amend the articles (13/13 states needed to agree)

Proved that the national government could not defend the nation from attacks. The event helped people realize that the articles were not a good government system and a new one was needed as soon as possible

Process used to elect the President

representation based on population

equal representation with all the states

Created a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives (based on population) and Senate (equal representation)

Slaves will be counted as 3/5s of a person for taxation and representation purposes

2/3s of both legislatures of Congress propose an amendment and 3/4s of the states have to agree

People who supported the ratification of the Constitution. They believed in a strong central government and a single executive

People who did not support the ratification of the Constitution. They believed in a restricted federal government and that a strong federal government could infringe on an individual's liberties

Though Federalists believed it was unnecessary, they agreed to add it to the Constitution as Anti-Federalists would agree to ratify it if the Bill of Rights was included

The House impeaches with a simple majority (50% or more), the Senate convicts with 2/3 vote

Amendment process

Federal laws overrule state laws

Says that the Constitution will be official once 9/13 states agree

Money sent from the Federal government with a very specific purpose

Money sent from the Federal government with a less specific purpose (more general than categorical grants, give states more power and freedoms)

Instructions to do something with funding from the federal government

Instructions to do something without funding from the federal government

Allows Congress to regulate inTERstate commerce (inTRAstate commerce is within a state, while inTERstate commerce is between multiple states)

Allows Congress to “make all laws necessary for carrying out their enumerated powers”

Federal and state governments each have clearly defined spheres of power and function separately

Federal and state governments share power and collaborate on certain issues

Ensures the nation's debts are honored, establishes the Constitution as the supreme law, and forbids religious tests for office