AP Government Review Sheet Summary

This document serves as a comprehensive review of essential topics in AP Government, including the structure and functions of Congress, landmark Supreme Court cases, and key government principles that are vital for a thorough understanding of U.S. politics.

Definition and Purpose of Government

Government can be defined as the system for implementing decisions made through the political process. It consists of individuals who lead and manage the mechanisms of rule. As per James Madison, governance is essential because humans are not angels, indicating that a system of checks and balances is necessary to maintain order. The underlying goal of government is to provide for the general welfare while negotiating the balance of power and maintaining individual liberties.

Political Ideologies

Conservative: Advocates for lower taxes and a limited government, often emphasizing "states' rights."
- May conflict with social conservatism on certain issues.
Liberal: Prefers a more expansive role of government in the economy to serve public interests and often favors a strong federal government.
Libertarian: An extremist conservative viewpoint advocating for minimal government intervention, which could sometimes lead to conflicting principles.

Structure of Congress

House of Representatives

Lower house of Congress
Members: 435, apportioned based on state population
Term length: 2 years

Senate

Upper house of Congress
Members: 100, with 2 from each state
Term length: 6 years

The founding principles around representation are highlighted in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, detailing the process of apportioning representatives and taxes based on population, notably involving the "Three-Fifths Compromise" that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation and tax purposes.

Census and Reapportionment

The census is conducted every ten years and is crucial for determining the number of representatives allotted to each state. As populations fluctuate, the mechanism of reapportionment reflects these changes, within a cap set at 435 representatives since 1910. Following reapportionment, redistricting occurs, which involves redrawing district lines.

Redistricting

Redistricting is essential for adapting electoral districts to population shifts, but can lead to gerrymandering, which is the manipulation of district boundaries to favor one political party over another. This practice can lead to polarized political climates.

Gerrymandering Techniques

Cracking: Diluting the voting power of opposing groups by spreading them across multiple districts.
Packing: Concentrating opposing voters into a single district to minimize their influence elsewhere.
Stacking: Drawing district lines that group together minority populations with majoritarian populations.

Judicial Rulings on Gerrymandering

In Shaw v. Reno, the Supreme Court ruled that racial gerrymandering violates the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause and should undergo strict scrutiny.

Key Supreme Court Cases

Baker v. Carr

This landmark case established the principle of "one person, one vote" by mandating that legislative districts must be equal in population, which aimed at ensuring representation equality.

Marbury v. Madison

Significantly, this case established the principle of judicial review, asserting that the Supreme Court holds the power to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution.

Citizens United v. FEC

In this case, the Supreme Court decided that corporations and unions could spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns, equating such spending with free speech rights under the First Amendment.

Government Powers and Authorities

Presidential powers are categorized into two main types:

Constitutional Authority: Powers specifically granted through the U.S. Constitution, such as recess appointments, executive orders, and the commander-in-chief role.
Statutory Authority: Powers derived from laws enacted by Congress.

Recess Appointments

These are temporary appointments made by the president to fill federal vacancies when the Senate is in recess, ensuring smooth government operations.

Executive Orders

Presidential directives that carry the force of law without needing congressional approval.

War Powers Act

This act limits the president's authority to engage in military actions without congressional consent, requiring notification within 48 hours of military action and restricting engagements beyond 90 days without approval.

Impeachment Process

Impeachment serves as a means for Congress to remove federal officials from office. The House acts as a grand jury, determining if grounds for impeachment exist, while the Senate conducts the trial.

High Crimes and Misdemeanors: Though not explicitly defined, this refers to severe misconduct or abuse of power.

Judicial Principles

Judicial Activism vs. Restraint

Judicial Activism: Refers to judges actively shaping policy through decisions.
Judicial Restraint: Advocates minimizing judicial interpretation, focusing on existing laws.

Conclusion

This outline encapsulates foundational elements of the U.S. government structure, essential Supreme Court rulings, and key governing philosophies. Understanding these components is vital for comprehending the complexities of American political life and governance.

AP Government Comprehensive Study Guide

AP Government Comprehensive Study Guide