AP US Government Unit 1-
Constitutional Underpinnings of US
Govt| Exam Review| RECENT Update
2024/2025
What is the **social contract theory**? The idea that government is formed through an
agreement between the governed and the ruler to ensure protection and order.
What is the significance of **Marbury v. Madison** (1803)? It established the principle of
judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
What does the **Bill of Rights** protect? Individual liberties and rights against government
infringement.
What is the concept of **checks on the Executive Branch**? Mechanisms that limit the
powers of the President to ensure accountability.
What does **separation of powers** mean? The division of government responsibilities into
distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Who is known as the "Father of Modern Democracy"? John Locke.
1
, What is **popular sovereignty**? The principle that the authority of the government is
created and sustained by the consent of its people.
What are **natural rights**? Rights inherent to all human beings, including life, liberty, and
property, that government cannot take away.
What was the primary purpose of the **Articles of Confederation**? To establish a loose
alliance of independent states and a weak central government.
What was a major weakness of the **Articles of Confederation**? The inability to levy
taxes and regulate commerce effectively.
What was the outcome of the **Constitutional Convention**? The drafting of the U.S.
Constitution, which created a stronger federal government.
What is the significance of the **Federalist Papers**? A series of essays written to promote
the ratification of the Constitution and explain its principles.
What is **federalism**? A system of government in which power is divided between a
central government and regional governments.
2
Constitutional Underpinnings of US
Govt| Exam Review| RECENT Update
2024/2025
What is the **social contract theory**? The idea that government is formed through an
agreement between the governed and the ruler to ensure protection and order.
What is the significance of **Marbury v. Madison** (1803)? It established the principle of
judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
What does the **Bill of Rights** protect? Individual liberties and rights against government
infringement.
What is the concept of **checks on the Executive Branch**? Mechanisms that limit the
powers of the President to ensure accountability.
What does **separation of powers** mean? The division of government responsibilities into
distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Who is known as the "Father of Modern Democracy"? John Locke.
1
, What is **popular sovereignty**? The principle that the authority of the government is
created and sustained by the consent of its people.
What are **natural rights**? Rights inherent to all human beings, including life, liberty, and
property, that government cannot take away.
What was the primary purpose of the **Articles of Confederation**? To establish a loose
alliance of independent states and a weak central government.
What was a major weakness of the **Articles of Confederation**? The inability to levy
taxes and regulate commerce effectively.
What was the outcome of the **Constitutional Convention**? The drafting of the U.S.
Constitution, which created a stronger federal government.
What is the significance of the **Federalist Papers**? A series of essays written to promote
the ratification of the Constitution and explain its principles.
What is **federalism**? A system of government in which power is divided between a
central government and regional governments.
2
