AP Gov Unit 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

According to James Madison, which of the following best controls the effects of faction?

A small republic

A direct democracy

A large republic (correct)

A monarchy

What was not a concern about the Articles of Confederation that led to the calling of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

Lack of a strong national defense

Inability to levy taxes

Dissatisfaction over safeguards of individual rights and liberties (correct)

Weak central government

Brutus was an example of an Anti-Federalist because he believed what?

A centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights.

What effect do concurrent powers have on the United States political system?

They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence on the same areas of public policy. Signup and view all the answers

Enumerated powers of the federal government include the power to what?

Regulate intrastate commerce. Signup and view all the answers

In Federalist 10, how did James Madison argue the new constitution would help control factions?

By creating a large republic. Signup and view all the answers

In a federal system of government, political power is primarily what?

Divided between the central and regional governments. Signup and view all the answers

In the Constitution as originally ratified in 1788, what provision most closely approximates popular, majoritarian democracy?

Election of members to the House of Representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What was the most significant difference between the Constitution of 1787 and the Articles of Confederation?

The Constitution provided for a strong national government with many powers, while the Articles created a weak central government with few independent powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Supremacy Clause?

The clause in the United States Constitution that states that federal law will prevail in the event of a conflict between federal and state law. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Great Compromise significant?

It proposed a Senate with equal representation for each state and a House of Representatives with membership established according to the population of each state. Signup and view all the answers

The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were primarily about what?

The scope of power of the central government. Signup and view all the answers

What did the framers of the Constitution believe was one of the primary functions of the government?

Protecting individual property rights. Signup and view all the answers

What type of government did the framers of the Constitution intend to establish?

A representative republic. Signup and view all the answers

What was the importance of Shays' Rebellion to the development of the United States Constitution?

It indicated that a strong, constitutionally designed national government was needed to protect property and maintain order. Signup and view all the answers

How can the reserved powers of the state governments be described?

Powers not specifically granted to the national government or denied to the states. Signup and view all the answers

What is bicameralism?

The establishment of two legislative chambers that have different structures and rules. Signup and view all the answers

True or False: Boyd Rutherford is the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan is the Governor of Maryland, and Ben Cardin is a Senator for Maryland.

True Signup and view all the answers

In Federalist 10, how are factions in a republic described by James Madison?

Natural but controllable by institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What power is exercised exclusively by the national government?

Entering into treaties with foreign nations. Signup and view all the answers

Until the Constitution was ratified, what document established and defined the government of the United States?

Articles of Confederation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Factions and Government

James Madison believed the best way to control factions is through a large republic.
Federalist 10 argued that creating a large republic would make it difficult for any single faction to dominate.

Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention

Dissatisfaction over the safeguards of individual rights was not a concern leading to the Constitutional Convention.
The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with few independent powers.

Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

Brutus exemplified Anti-Federalist views, stressing that centralized government threatens individual rights.
The debates focused on the scope of power of the central government, illustrating fundamental disagreements over governance.

Powers in Government

Concurrent powers allow both state and national governments to influence the same public policy areas.
Enumerated powers include the authority to regulate intrastate commerce, which is crucial for federal regulatory authority.

Structure of Government

In a federal system, political power is divided between central and regional governments, highlighting their distinct roles.
Bicameralism refers to the two-chambered legislature, allowing different structures and rules for each chamber.

Constitutional Provisions

The Constitution's provision for the election of House members most closely reflects majoritarian democracy.
The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature with equal Senate representation and a House based on population.

Supremacy and Reserved Powers

The Supremacy Clause asserts federal law prevails over state law in conflicts, reinforcing central authority over states.
Reserved powers are those not specifically granted to the national government or denied to the states, allowing state discretion.

Historical Context

Shays' Rebellion highlighted the need for a strong national government to protect property and maintain order, influencing the Constitution's development.
The framers aimed to establish a representative republic, balancing representation with individual rights.

Maryland Government

Confirmed that Boyd Rutherford is the Lieutenant Governor, Larry Hogan is the Governor, and Ben Cardin is a Senator from Maryland.

National Powers

Only the national government can enter treaties with foreign nations, limiting state powers in foreign affairs.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the key concepts in AP Government with these flashcards from Unit 1. Explore the thoughts of prominent figures like James Madison and the concerns surrounding the Articles of Confederation. Challenge yourself to recall definitions and examples related to the early foundations of American government.