AP Gov Test 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was Brutus an example of?

Anti-Federalist

Which of the following features of the United States Constitution would most concern the author of Brutus 1?

The amendment process

The Bill of Rights

The Checks and Balances system

The supremacy clause (correct)

How did James Madison argue that the new constitution would help control factions?

By creating a large republic.

Why have efforts to make it illegal to burn the American flag been unsuccessful?

The framers made the amendment process difficult Signup and view all the answers

Why were Southern states able to prevent most African Americans from voting despite the Fifteenth Amendment?

The framers allowed individual states to create voting processes. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Utah legislature disregard parts of the No Child Left Behind Act?

Educational policy is not mentioned in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of dynamic competition among branches of government?

Effective policy change with little long-term abuse of authority. Signup and view all the answers

How do shifts in powers among branches ensure functional government?

Separation of powers allows accountability. Signup and view all the answers

How do the views of the author compare with The Federalist 51 regarding separation of powers?

Both assert that government structure helps control ambitions among branches. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Constitution allow the federal government to gain compliance from states?

By passing laws to fine or tax individuals directly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a scenario illustrating compliance with federal policies?

Withholding highway funds from states that do not raise the drinking age to 21. Signup and view all the answers

What best reflects James Madison's beliefs about political representation?

People are best represented by a few politicians. Signup and view all the answers

What was Madison's primary concern about representative government?

Representatives may act in their own interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which section of the United States Constitution most concerns Madison?

Article I, Section 2. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anti-Federalism vs. Federalism

Brutus exemplified Anti-Federalist views, arguing that centralized government threatens individual rights.
Key concern for Anti-Federalists includes the supremacy clause, which prioritizes federal over state authority.

Faction Control in a Republic

James Madison, in Federalist 10, asserted that a large republic mitigates the risk of factions dominating governance.

Constitutional Amendment Process

Public opinion polls indicated majority support for a ban on flag burning, yet amendments to enforce this have failed due to the framers’ design making the amendment process intentionally difficult to safeguard individual rights.

Voting Rights and State Authority

Despite the Fifteenth Amendment granting voting rights to African American males, Southern states employed various restrictions due to the allowance of voting processes set by individual states.

Education Policy and Federalism

Utah’s 2005 decision to ignore parts of the No Child Left Behind Act reflects ongoing debates about the national government’s role in education, as educational policy lacks explicit constitutional mention.

Balance of Governmental Power

Healthy competition and dynamic interaction among government branches foster effective policy changes with minimal abuse of power.

Separation of Powers

The structure ensuring separated powers enables checks and balances, promoting accountability across government branches as responsibilities shift between them.

Representative Government Concerns

Both Madison and the passage's author agree that government structure plays a crucial role in managing ambitions among branches, ensuring a functional democracy.
Madison believed political representation is best achieved through a limited number of chosen politicians conveying constituents’ interests while fearing they may act primarily in self-interest.

Compliance Mechanisms

The Constitution empowers the federal government to impose laws that directly tax individuals, addressing state compliance issues under the Articles of Confederation.
An example of compliance enforcement is leveraging federal highway funds to incentivize states to adopt specific policies such as raising the legal drinking age.

Legislative Structure Concerns

Madison expressed particular concern over Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, which outlines the composition and election of the House of Representatives, reflecting his apprehensions about representative governance.

Description

Prepare for your AP Government Test with these flashcards focusing on key concepts like Anti-Federalists and the US Constitution. Each card delves into essential terms and their definitions, helping you to understand foundational ideas in American government. Perfect for quick review and retention before your exam.