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Comprehensive AP Government Review Guide

May 5, 2025

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.