AP® United States Government and Politics Cheat Sheet

AP United States Government and Politics covers the foundations of American democracy, political ideologies, branches of government, civil liberties, and landmark Supreme Court cases, providing a comprehensive understanding of U.S. government structure, processes, and key political concepts.

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Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

• Declaration of Independence: Drafted by Jefferson, laid the foundation for U.S. sovereignty.
• Articles of Confederation: Weak government led to inefficiency and unresolved disputes.
• Types of Representative Democracies:
  • Participatory: Strong civil society.
  • Pluralist: Multiple interest groups.
  • Elite: Limited participation.
• Checks and Balances: Explained in Federalist No. 51.
• Constitutional Compromises:
  • Great Compromise: Bicameral Congress.
  • Electoral College: A compromise for electing the President.
  • Three-Fifths Compromise: Representation and taxation based on the slave population.

Unit 2: Branches of Government

• Congress:
  • Bicameral with Senate (equal state representation) and House of Representatives (population-based).
  • Enumerated powers: Declaring war, passing the budget, raising revenue.
  • Legislation can pass with a simple majority; constitutional amendments need a supermajority.
  • Filibuster: Can be ended with cloture (three-fifths vote).
• President:
  • Powers include vetoing laws, appointing officials, and being the Commander-in-Chief.
• Judicial Branch:
  • Judicial Review (established by Marbury v. Madison) allows courts to review laws.
  • Supreme Court (SCOTUS) is the highest court.

Unit 3: Civil Liberties & Civil Rights

• Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments guaranteeing individual rights.
• Key Protections:
  • Freedom of Speech/Press.
  • Right to Bear Arms.
  • Due Process Clause: Fair procedures (5th & 14th Amendments).
  • Rights of the Accused: Right to trial, silence, and counsel.
• Miranda Rights: Police must inform individuals of their rights before questioning.
• Equal Protection Clause: Equal legal protection under state jurisdiction.

Unit 4: American Political Ideologies & Beliefs

• Political Socialization: Process by which people acquire political beliefs.
• Public Opinion Polls:
  • Opinion polls, benchmark polls.
• Parties:
  • Democratic: Liberal views.
  • Republican: Conservative views.
• Political Ideologies:
  • Liberal: Supports government intervention in the economy.
  • Conservative: Favors free market, limited government.
  • Libertarians: Limited government beyond property protection.

Unit 5: Political Participation

• Types of Voting:
  • Rational Choice, Retrospective, Prospective, Party-line Voting.
• Political Efficacy: Belief in influencing political outcomes.
• Linkage Institutions: Channels between citizens and government (parties, media, interest groups).
• Presidential Elections:
  • Primaries/Caucuses: Select candidates.
  • Party Conventions: Nominate candidates.

Key Required Documents & SCOTUS Cases

• Federalist No. 10: Advocates a strong central government.
• Brutus No. 1: Argues for small government.
• Key SCOTUS Cases:
• Marbury v. Madison: Judicial review.
• McCulloch v. Maryland: Federal law supremacy.
• United States v. Lopez: Limits on the commerce clause.
• Brown v. Board of Education: School segregation violates equal protection.
• Gideon v. Wainwright: Right to an attorney.
• Citizens United v. FEC: Corporate political spending allowed.