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Democratic Ideals in AP Government

May 3, 2025

Lecture Notes: Ideals of Democracy in AP Government

Introduction

  • Welcome to Heimler's History for a new year.
  • Focus on AP Government curriculum.
  • This session covers democratic ideals in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Democratic Ideals

  • Main Ideal: Limited Government
    • Acknowledges the need for government but promotes minimal government intervention.
    • Influenced by the Enlightenment.

Enlightenment Influence

  • The Enlightenment was a significant influence on the Founders.

  • Key Enlightenment ideas:

    1. Natural Rights

    • People are born with rights given by their Creator, not by monarchs.
    • John Locke: Rights to life, liberty, and property.
    • Thomas Hobbes: Theoretical state of nature; government is necessary to protect rights.

    2. Popular Sovereignty and Social Contract

    • Power to govern lies with the people (popular sovereignty).
    • People consent to give some power to the government to protect natural rights (social contract).
    • Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Advocated for overthrowing tyrannical governments.

    3. Republicanism

    • Baron de Montesquieu: Advocated for a republican government where leaders are elected.
    • Separation of powers among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Foundational Documents

  • Declaration of Independence

    • Break from British Empire.
    • Written by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.
    • Contains Enlightenment ideas: Natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness), social contract, popular sovereignty.
  • Constitution

    • Blueprint for separation of powers and republicanism.
    • Not the first constitution; preceded by the Articles of Confederation.
    • Philadelphia Convention of 1787 led by George Washington.
    • James Madison played a key role.

    Key Constitutional Concepts

    • Republicanism: Representative republic rather than a pure democracy.
    • Separation of Powers: Divides government into three branches, each with checks and balances.

Conclusion

  • Overview of Unit 1, Topic 1 of AP Government.
  • Encouragement to use review packets for further study.
  • Engagement through subscribing to Heimler's content.