👩🏾‍⚖️AP US Government Unit 1 – Foundations of American Democracy

Key Concepts and Principles

• Explores the fundamental ideas and philosophies that shaped the American political system (democracy, republicanism, liberalism, conservatism)
• Examines the role of the social contract theory in establishing the legitimacy of government and the consent of the governed
  • Philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Hobbes influenced the Founding Fathers' understanding of the social contract
• Analyzes the concept of natural rights and their protection through constitutional government (life, liberty, property)
• Discusses the importance of the rule of law in ensuring equality and fairness in the application of legal principles
• Considers the balance between individual rights and the common good in a democratic society
• Explores the concept of limited government and its role in preventing tyranny and abuse of power
• Examines the principle of popular sovereignty, which holds that the ultimate authority in a democracy rests with the people

Historical Context

• Traces the colonial experience and its influence on the development of American political thought and institutions
  • Includes the impact of the British political system, the Enlightenment, and the Great Awakening
• Examines the events and grievances that led to the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence (Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, Intolerable Acts)
• Analyzes the Articles of Confederation and their limitations in establishing a strong central government
  • Weaknesses included lack of executive branch, inability to tax, and difficulty in passing legislation
• Discusses the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the compromises that shaped the final document (Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise)
• Explores the ratification process and the debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists
• Considers the Bill of Rights and its role in protecting individual liberties and limiting government power

The Constitution and Its Framework

• Examines the Preamble and its statement of purpose for the Constitution ("We the People," establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility)
• Analyzes the seven articles of the Constitution and their role in establishing the structure and powers of the federal government
  • Article I creates the legislative branch (Congress) and outlines its powers and responsibilities
  • Article II establishes the executive branch (President) and defines its authority
  • Article III creates the judicial branch (Supreme Court) and its jurisdiction
• Discusses the amendment process and its importance in adapting the Constitution to changing times and needs
• Explores the concept of separation of powers and its role in preventing the concentration of power in any one branch
• Examines the system of checks and balances designed to ensure that each branch can limit the power of the others
• Considers the role of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and its status as a living document

Federalism and Division of Powers

• Defines federalism as a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (national and state governments)
• Examines the Tenth Amendment and its role in reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people
• Analyzes the concept of enumerated powers, which are those specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution (regulate commerce, coin money, declare war)
• Discusses implied powers, which are derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause and allow Congress to make laws that are necessary to carry out its enumerated powers
• Explores the concept of concurrent powers, which are shared by both the federal and state governments (taxation, law enforcement, education)
• Considers the role of the Supremacy Clause in establishing the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land
• Examines the evolution of federalism throughout American history (dual federalism, cooperative federalism, new federalism)

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

• Defines civil liberties as the individual freedoms and protections guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights (freedom of speech, religion, press)
• Examines the incorporation of the Bill of Rights through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause, which extends federal protections to the states
• Analyzes landmark Supreme Court cases that have expanded or limited civil liberties (Engel v. Vitale, Miranda v. Arizona, Roe v. Wade)
• Defines civil rights as the guarantees of equal protection under the law and freedom from discrimination based on characteristics such as race, gender, or disability
• Explores the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its role in prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and education
• Considers the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its impact on ensuring equal access to the ballot for all Americans
• Examines the role of the courts, Congress, and social movements in advancing civil rights and equality

Checks and Balances

• Examines the system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful
• Analyzes the legislative branch's checks on the executive (impeachment, override of presidential veto, confirmation of appointments)
  • Congress can also check the judiciary through the power to create and abolish federal courts and the impeachment of judges
• Explores the executive branch's checks on the legislative (veto power, appointment of judges, commander-in-chief of the military)
  • The President can also check the judiciary through the power to appoint Supreme Court justices and grant pardons
• Considers the judicial branch's checks on the legislative and executive (judicial review, interpretation of laws and executive actions)
• Discusses the role of checks and balances in maintaining the separation of powers and preventing tyranny
• Examines historical examples of checks and balances in action (Watergate scandal, Iran-Contra affair, impeachment trials)

Evolution of American Democracy

• Traces the expansion of suffrage throughout American history (15th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, and 26th Amendments)
  • Includes the elimination of property requirements, the enfranchisement of African Americans and women, and the lowering of the voting age to 18
• Examines the impact of social and political movements on the development of American democracy (abolitionism, women's suffrage, civil rights)
• Analyzes the role of constitutional amendments in adapting the political system to changing times and needs (12th Amendment, 22nd Amendment)
• Explores the evolution of political parties and their influence on the democratic process
  • Discusses the rise of the two-party system and the realignment of party coalitions over time
• Considers the impact of media and technology on political communication and public opinion
• Examines the role of interest groups and lobbying in shaping public policy and influencing the political process

Contemporary Challenges and Debates

• Analyzes the impact of money in politics and the debate over campaign finance reform (Citizens United v. FEC)
• Explores the issue of gerrymandering and its effect on political representation and electoral competition
• Considers the challenges posed by polarization and partisanship in American politics
  • Examines the factors contributing to increased ideological division and its impact on governance
• Discusses the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the debate over fake news and misinformation
• Analyzes the impact of globalization and the changing economy on American democracy and the political system
• Explores the challenges of ensuring free and fair elections in the face of foreign interference and domestic voter suppression efforts
• Considers the ongoing debates over issues such as immigration, healthcare, and climate change and their implications for American democracy