ap us government live cram sessions 2020 study guides

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Federalism: a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states)
• Separation of Powers: the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another
  • Prevents concentration of power and provides for checks and balances
• Checks and Balances: a system in which each branch of government has the power to limit or check the actions of the other branches
  • Examples include the president's veto power, Congress' power to override a veto, and the Supreme Court's power of judicial review
• Enumerated Powers: powers specifically granted to the federal government in the Constitution (coining money, declaring war, etc.)
• Reserved Powers: powers not specifically granted to the federal government, which are reserved for the states (education, law enforcement, etc.)
• Concurrent Powers: powers shared by both the federal and state governments (taxation, borrowing money, etc.)
• Implied Powers: powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but implied through the Necessary and Proper Clause (establishing a national bank, regulating immigration, etc.)

Historical Context and Significance

• The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1788, established the framework for the federal government and the division of powers between the national and state governments
  • Replaced the Articles of Confederation, which provided a weak central government
• Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, argued in favor of the Constitution and a strong federal government
  • Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution, fearing it gave too much power to the national government
• The Bill of Rights, added in 1791, provided additional protections for individual rights and limited the power of the federal government
• The Supreme Court's ruling in Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Court to declare laws unconstitutional
  • This decision helped solidify the role of the judiciary as a check on the other branches of government
• The Civil War (1861-1865) and subsequent amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) expanded the power of the federal government and altered the balance of power between the national and state governments
• The New Deal era (1933-1939) saw a significant expansion of federal power as the government implemented programs to address the Great Depression
  • This period marked a shift towards a more active federal government in social and economic affairs

Major Topics Covered

• The structure and functions of the three branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial)
  • Legislative branch: Congress, composed of the Senate and House of Representatives, makes laws
  • Executive branch: headed by the president, enforces laws and conducts foreign policy
  • Judicial branch: the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, interpret laws and determine their constitutionality
• The division of powers between the federal and state governments (federalism)
  • Exclusive powers: those held solely by the federal (enumerated) or state (reserved) governments
  • Concurrent powers: those shared by both levels of government
• The system of checks and balances between the branches of government
  • Examples: presidential veto, congressional override, judicial review, appointment powers, impeachment
• The role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the political process
  • Political parties: organize and mobilize voters, nominate candidates, and advance policy positions
  • Interest groups: organizations that seek to influence public policy on behalf of their members or causes
  • Media: informs the public, shapes public opinion, and holds government officials accountable
• The protection of individual rights and liberties through the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments
  • First Amendment: freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
  • Fourth Amendment: protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
  • Fourteenth Amendment: equal protection under the law and due process rights

Important Figures and Their Contributions

• James Madison: "Father of the Constitution," primary author of the Federalist Papers, and fourth U.S. president
  • Advocated for a strong federal government with checks and balances to prevent tyranny
• Alexander Hamilton: first Secretary of the Treasury, author of many Federalist Papers, and proponent of a strong central government
  • Established the First Bank of the United States and the U.S. Mint
• John Marshall: fourth Chief Justice of the United States (1801-1835), established the principle of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison
  • His decisions helped strengthen the federal government and the role of the judiciary
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: 32nd U.S. president (1933-1945), led the country through the Great Depression and World War II
  • His New Deal programs expanded the role and power of the federal government in social and economic affairs
• Thurgood Marshall: first African American Supreme Court Justice (1967-1991), argued Brown v. Board of Education as an attorney for the NAACP
  • His work helped advance civil rights and racial equality under the law

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

• United States v. Lopez (1995): the Supreme Court ruled that the Gun-Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress' power under the Commerce Clause, limiting the federal government's authority
  • This decision marked a shift towards a more limited view of federal power
• Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right protected by the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment
  • This decision overturned state bans on same-sex marriage and expanded the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals
• Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency (2007): the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act
  • This decision affirmed the federal government's power to address environmental issues
• The Affordable Care Act (2010): a comprehensive health care reform law that expanded federal regulation of the health insurance industry and increased access to health coverage
  • The Supreme Court upheld the law's individual mandate as a valid exercise of Congress' taxing power in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012)
• The COVID-19 pandemic (2020-present): the federal and state governments have taken various actions to address the public health crisis, including stay-at-home orders, mask mandates, and economic relief packages
  • These actions have raised questions about the balance of power between the federal and state governments and the limits of government authority during emergencies

Critical Analysis and Debates

• The proper balance of power between the federal and state governments
  • Some argue for a more limited federal government and greater state autonomy, while others advocate for a stronger central government to address national issues
• The extent to which the Commerce Clause grants Congress the power to regulate economic activity
  • Debates center on the interpretation of "interstate commerce" and the limits of federal authority
• The role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution and striking down laws
  • Critics argue that judicial activism can lead to unelected judges making policy decisions, while supporters maintain that judicial review is necessary to protect individual rights and check the other branches
• The tension between individual rights and the government's interest in public safety and national security
  • Controversies arise over issues such as government surveillance, gun control, and hate speech regulations
• The impact of money and special interests on the political process
  • Concerns include the influence of campaign contributions, lobbying, and the revolving door between government and industry

Exam Strategies and Tips

• Understand the format and structure of the AP U.S. Government exam
  • Multiple-choice questions: 55 questions in 80 minutes
  • Free-response questions: 4 questions in 100 minutes
• Review the key concepts, terms, and cases covered in the course
  • Create flashcards or use online resources to test your knowledge
• Practice analyzing and interpreting primary sources, such as Supreme Court opinions and political speeches
  • Look for the main arguments, reasoning, and implications of the sources
• Develop a clear and concise writing style for the free-response questions
  • Use specific examples and evidence to support your arguments
  • Organize your thoughts before writing and use clear topic sentences
• Manage your time effectively during the exam
  • Pace yourself and allocate enough time for each section and question
  • If you're unsure about a multiple-choice question, eliminate incorrect answers and make an educated guess

Additional Resources and Further Reading

• "The Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
  • A collection of 85 essays arguing in support of the Constitution and a strong federal government
• "The Anti-Federalist Papers" by various authors
  • Essays opposing the Constitution and advocating for greater state autonomy and individual rights
• "The Constitution of the United States" and "The Bill of Rights"
  • The foundational documents of the U.S. government and the protection of individual liberties
• "The Supreme Court: A C-SPAN Book Featuring the Justices in their Own Words" by Brian Lamb, Susan Swain, and Mark Farkas
  • Interviews with Supreme Court Justices discussing their experiences and the role of the Court
• "The Oath and the Office: A Guide to the Constitution for Future Presidents" by Corey Brettschneider
  • An accessible guide to the powers and responsibilities of the president under the Constitution