AP Review Cheat Sheet

Foundations of Government

• Legitimacy: Fundamental principle ensuring government actions are proper and supported by the people.
• Articles of Confederation: Early governing document; lacked strong central authority.
• Declaration of Independence: Asserted inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• Constitution: Established limited government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
• Popular Sovereignty: Authority of government is derived from the people.
• Separation of Powers: Distribution of government power to prevent oppression.
• Federalist Papers: Essays supporting the Constitution's ratification; Federalist 10 advocated for a republic.
• Bill of Rights: First ten amendments outlining individual liberties.
• Fourteenth Amendment: Extended rights and protections at the state level.

Constitution Overview

• Preamble: Purpose and principles of the Constitution.
• Articles:
  1. Legislative Branch
  2. Executive Branch
  3. Judicial Branch
  4. State Relations
  5. Amending the Constitution
  6. Supremacy Clause
  7. Ratification
• Amendments:
  • 1-10: Bill of Rights (e.g., free speech, right to bear arms)
  • 13-15: Post-Civil War rights and abolishment of slavery
  • 16-19: Taxation, direct elections, and women's suffrage
  • 20-27: Modern amendments including presidential terms and succession

Federalism

• Concept: Division of power between national and state governments.
• Marble Cake Federalism: Cooperative work between state and national levels.
• Concurrent Powers: Shared powers such as taxation.
• Supremacy Clause: National laws override state laws.
• Key Cases: McCulloch v. Maryland reinforced national supremacy.

Political Participation

• Suffrage Expansion: Amendments and acts that broadened voting rights.
• Non-voting Participation: Includes litigation, protests, and campaign involvement.

Public Opinion

• Influence and Measurement: Political socialization and polling.
• Ideologies: Liberalism and conservatism defined by government involvement preferences.

Political Parties

• Functions: Candidate nomination, voter mobilization, governance, and acting as a watchdog.
• Party Dynamics: Realignment periods and decline in party influence.

Special Interests

• Role: Advocate for policy interests and influence legislation.
• Challenges: Misconceptions about lobbying and regulation effectiveness.

Civil Liberties and Rights

• Civil Liberties: Protections against government actions, often expanded through selective incorporation.
• Civil Rights: Government intervention to prevent discrimination based on race, religion, or gender.

Congress

• Powers: Legislative functions and responsibilities, including oversight.
• Structure: Bicameral system, roles of House and Senate.

The Presidency

• Roles and Powers: Execution of laws, commander in chief, and foreign policy.
• Election Process: Phases from primaries to the Electoral College.

Judiciary

• System: Federal and state court systems with the Supreme Court at the apex.
• Key Decisions: Influential cases shaping American law and rights.

Powers & Fractions

• Expressed and Implied Powers: Enumerated powers and those necessary and proper for governance.
• Voting Fractions: Specific fractions needed for passing legislation or amendments.