AP Gov Unit 1

Foundational Docs

100

Issued by the second Continental Congress, Explaining desire for colonial independence. Sets the beliefs of a new nation. 

The Declaration of Independence

200

Argument against a strong central government. Argued for small republics to better represent the localities within a vast country.  

Brutus 1

300

Argues liberty is safest in a large republic because of the dangers of factions. diversity makes tyranny by the majority difficult to achieve.

Federalist #10

400

Created a weak alliance between the several states. Severely limited the power of the Federal Government. 

Articles of Confederation

500

advocated for the new constitution by explaining separation of powers and checks and balances. "If men were angels than no government would be necessary".

Federalist #51

The Constitution

100

Outlines the Powers of the legislative branch of government 

Article 1

200

Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and gives supremacy of federal laws over the states

Article 6

300

Constitutional Clause requiring states to recognize the laws and legals documents of other states

Article 4

400

Limits the power of the states. Ex: States can't enter into treaties or coin their own money. 

Article 1 Section 10

500

Lists specific powers granted to congress, including powers to regulate commerce, declare war, and carry out any laws necessary and proper. 

Article 1 Section 8

Early American Gov

100

Name 3 Principles of American Government

1. Republicanism

2. Popular Sovereignty

3. Majority Rule

4. Minority Rights 

5. Checks and Balances

6. Sep of Powers

7. Limited Government

200

A theory of government that believes open, multiple completing groups can check the power of one group. 

Pluralist Democracy

300

Collection of 85 Articles written under the name 'Publius' that defended the Constitution in detail

The Federalist Papers

400

Author of Governmental writings including Natural Rights, Social Contract Theory, and Treatises of Government

John Locke

500

Plan for Legislative Representation that advocated for 3 Branches and a bicameral legislature with Proportional representation in both houses. 

Virginia Plan

Federalism

100

Money given to the states from the federal government that comes with strings attached

Categorical Grant

200

3 examples of concurrent powers of government

1. Levy taxes

2. Borrow Money

3. establish courts

4. enact/enforce laws

5. Spend for the general welfare

300

A concept in which the federal government provides grants to states and localities to achieve national goals.

Creative Federalism

400

Supreme Court Case Constitutional clause in question: Article 1 Section 8 Commerce clause

U.S. v. Lopez

500

Supreme Court Case Constitutional clause in question: Article 1 Section 8 Commerce clause and Article 6

McCulloch v. Maryland

Randomly Difficult

100

Article 1 Section 7 explains

How a bill becomes a law and Congressional override of a presidential veto

200

Article 2 Section 4 explains

How to impeach and remove a president

300

Article 3 Section 1 Explains

Establishment of the Supreme Court and Justices term lengths

400

Article 5: Amending the Constitution. Name two ways to amend. 

1. 2/3 of both houses vote for amendment; ratified by 3/4 of the states

2. 2/3 of both houses; ratified by a special convention of the states

3. proposed by a constitutional convention by 2/3 of states; ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures

4. proposed by a constitutional convention by 2/3 of states; ratified by convention of 3/4 of the states

500

• Due process: No one can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
• Self-incrimination: No one can be compelled to be a witness against themselves in a criminal case.
• Double jeopardy: No one can be tried twice for the same offense.

5th Amendment