Review of AP Government Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy.
Topics covered:
Origins of the Constitution
Federalism
Additional resources: AP Government review packet with practice questions, essential questions, answers, and practice exams.
Foundations of American Democracy
Enlightenment Influence
Natural Rights: Rights given by the creator, not by a monarch, cannot be taken away.
Popular Sovereignty & Social Contract: Power to govern is in people's hands; governments protect natural rights in exchange for some power.
Duty to overthrow a government if it violates the social contract.
Republicanism: Elected leaders represent the people, laws created in the public interest, separation of powers into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial).
Limited Government: Prevents tyranny through checks and balances.
Foundational Documents
Declaration of Independence:
Popular sovereignty, social contract, natural rights.
Inspired by Enlightenment thinkers.
U.S. Constitution:
Blueprint for republicanism and separation of powers.
Models of Democracy
Participatory Democracy: Broad participation (e.g., town halls, referenda).
Pluralist Democracy: Interest groups (e.g., NAACP, NRA) influence policy.
Elite Democracy: Limited participation, educated ruling class (e.g., Electoral College).
Debate Between Federalist and Anti-Federalist
Key Documents
Federalist 10 (Madison):
Mischief of factions.
Large republic with competing factions upholds liberty (pluralist democracy).
Brutus 1:
Dangers of a large centralized government.
Champion of participatory democracy, wary of powerful federal government.
Creation of the Constitution
Articles of Confederation
Weak federal government, strong state governments.
Issues: No federal army, inability to collect taxes.
Shay's Rebellion: Highlighted weaknesses.
Constitutional Convention
Great Compromise: Bicameral Congress.
House of Representatives by population.
Senate with equal representation.
Electoral College: President elected by electors.
Three-Fifths Compromise: 3/5 of enslaved people counted for representation.
Slave Trade Compromise: No changes for 20 years.
Amendment Process:
Proposal by Congress or states.
Ratification by state legislatures.
Federalism
Definition
Sharing of power between national and state governments.
Types of Powers
Exclusive Powers: Only federal government (e.g., treaties).
Reserved Powers: Held by states (e.g., education).
Concurrent Powers: Shared by both (e.g., taxation).
Fiscal Federalism
Categorical Grants: Specific use conditions.
Block Grants: More flexibility for states.
Mandates: Federal directives with or without funding (e.g., Clean Air Act).
Devolution: Return of power to states (e.g., Reagan, Clinton's unfunded mandates reform).
Supreme Court Cases
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Federal power via necessary and proper clause.
U.S. v. Lopez (1995): State power via limits on commerce clause.
Federalism in Action
Environmental Regulations: Paris Agreement vs. state standards.
Legalization of Marijuana: State vs. federal law contradictions.
Conclusion
Constitutional balance and federalism remain dynamic and essential in U.S. government.
For further study, consider using the comprehensive review packet.