Heimler's History AP Government Edition - Unit 1 Review

Overview

• Foundations of American democracy
• Development of the Constitution
• Understanding Federalism

Foundations of American Democracy

Enlightenment Influence

• Natural Rights: Rights are inherent and not granted by monarchs.
• Popular Sovereignty & Social Contract:
  • Power to govern is derived from people.
  • Government serves the people; can be overthrown if tyrannical.
• Republicanism:
  • Elected leaders represent the people.
  • Separation of powers into three branches: executive, legislative, judicial.
• Limited Government:
  • Checks and balances prevent tyranny.

Foundational Documents

• Declaration of Independence:
  • Basis for popular sovereignty, social contract, and natural rights.
• U.S. Constitution:
  • Blueprint for republicanism and separation of powers.

Types of Democracy

• Participatory Democracy: Broad participation by society.
• Pluralist Democracy: Interest groups compete to influence policy.
• Elite Democracy: Limited participation; educated elites make decisions.

Tensions in Democracy

• Seen in foundational documents: Constitution, Federalist 10, Brutus 1.
• Federalist 10:
  • Argued large republic protects against factions.
• Brutus 1:
  • Feared large government undermines individual liberties.

Development of the Constitution

Articles of Confederation

• Weak federal government; strong state powers.
• No ability to tax, raise an army, or enforce laws effectively.
• Shay's Rebellion: Highlighted need for stronger federal government.

Constitutional Convention Compromises

• Great Compromise: Bicameral Congress (House by population, Senate equally).
• Electoral College: Method for electing the president.
• Three-Fifths Compromise: Counted 3/5 of the slave population for representation.
• Slave Trade Compromise: No federal action on slave trade for 20 years.

Amendment Process

• Proposal: By Congress or state convention (2/3 vote required).
• Ratification: By states (3/4 approval needed).

Federalism

Concept of Federalism

• Definition: Sharing of power between national and state governments.

Types of Powers

• Exclusive Powers: Federal (e.g., treaties).
• Reserved Powers: States (e.g., education, police).
• Concurrent Powers: Shared (e.g., taxing).

Fiscal Federalism

• Power shared through money (grants, mandates).
• Categorical Grants: Specific purposes with conditions.
• Block Grants: Fewer restrictions, broader purposes.
• Mandates: Directives, sometimes unfunded.

Supreme Court Cases

• McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Federal power upheld through necessary and proper clause.
• United States v. Lopez (1995): Affirmed state power; limited Congress' use of commerce clause.

Modern Federalism Examples

• Environmental Regulations: States like California maintain stricter standards.
• Legalization of Marijuana: State legalization juxtaposed with federal illegality.