Here is a comprehensive review of AP Government Unit 1, which covers the foundations of American democracy, the Constitution, federalism, and key principles:
Foundations of American Democracy
- The unit begins with the Enlightenment, a European intellectual movement that inspired the Founders with ideas such as natural rights, the social contract, and popular sovereignty.
- The ideals of democracy include direct democracy (citizens vote directly) and representative democracy (a republic where citizens elect officials).
- Popular sovereignty means the ultimate authority rests with the people, and majority rule ensures government decisions reflect the will of the majority.
Articles of Confederation
- The first government was a weak association of states with no executive branch or federal power to tax.
- It proved ineffective because the federal government lacked the power to enforce laws or regulate commerce.
The Constitution and Federalism
- The Constitutional Convention drafted a new Constitution that created a stronger federal government with three branches: legislative (makes laws), executive (executes laws), and judicial (interprets laws).
- Checks and balances ensure no branch becomes too powerful, for example, Congress makes laws, the president can veto, and the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional.
- Federalism is the division of power between national and state governments, with certain powers delegated to the federal government, others reserved for states, and some shared.
- Grants-in-aid and mandates are ways the federal government influences states, either by providing funds with conditions (categorical grants) or broader support with fewer restrictions (block grants).
Additional Key Concepts
- The Constitution reflects Enlightenment principles like separation of powers and checks and balances.
- The courts exercise judicial review to ensure laws and executive actions comply with the Constitution.
- The government is built on the idea of a republican form of democracy, protecting individual rights while allowing for majority rule.
This overview covers the essential topics in AP Government Unit 1 foundational to understanding American democracy and government structure.
