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AP Gov Unit 1 Notes: Ideals of Democracy & Declaration of Independence

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AP Gov Unit 1 Notes: Ideals of Democracy & Declaration of Independence
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The Declaration of Independence established key principles of American democracy, including natural rights, popular sovereignty, and republicanism. It justified breaking from British rule by listing grievances against King George III. The document reflects Enlightenment ideas like John Locke's social contract theory and continues to shape American political ideals today.

10/15/2023

432

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

Applying Key Concepts from the Declaration

This section covers how to analyze and apply concepts from the Declaration of Independence for AP Government free-response questions (FRQs).

Key task verbs to know:

  • Identify
  • Define
  • Describe
  • Explain

Example: To explain the Declaration of Independence, you might say: "It justified American independence by arguing that the British violated colonists' natural rights through actions like dissolving local legislatures and levying taxes without consent."

When analyzing primary sources:

  1. Skim the text
  2. Reread carefully
  3. Annotate key points and proper nouns

Highlight: The Declaration lists 27 specific grievances against King George III to build the case for independence.

The principles outlined in the Declaration, like popular sovereignty and natural rights, laid the philosophical groundwork that the Constitution would later codify into specific government processes and institutions.

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

View

The Social Contract and Limits on Government Power

This section explores how Enlightenment ideas about the social contract influenced American political philosophy and the structure of the new government.

Key points:

  • John Locke's concept of natural rights (life, liberty, property)
  • People surrender some rights to form a commonwealth for mutual protection
  • Government derives legitimacy from consent of the governed
  • Regular elections as a mechanism for expressing consent

Definition: The social contract is the idea that people voluntarily give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Quote: "If all members of the commonwealth are equal in natural rights, then all retain power. Decisions are made about actions of the state via consent of the governed."

The founders sought to create a limited government that would protect natural rights while preventing tyranny. This led to concepts like:

  • Separation of powers
  • Checks and balances
  • Federalism

Vocabulary: Limited government refers to a system where government power is restricted by law, typically through a constitution.

Understanding these philosophical underpinnings is crucial for analyzing how the U.S. system reflects a commitment to limited government and popular sovereignty.

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

View

Theories of Democracy and Civic Participation

This section examines different models of representative democracy and associated civic behaviors.

Three main theories:

  1. Pluralist - Policy influenced by various non-governmental groups
  2. Elitist - Policy controlled by wealthy and powerful elites
  3. Participatory - Citizens directly influence policy

Definition: Participatory democracy emphasizes direct citizen involvement through activities like voting, jury duty, protests, and local meetings.

Civic behaviors associated with each model:

  • Pluralist: Voting, letter writing, civic group membership
  • Elitist: Campaign donations, meeting policymakers
  • Participatory: Protests, testifying at hearings

Example: A citizen attending a town hall meeting to voice concerns about a local issue exemplifies participatory democracy in action.

These competing theories shaped debates around ratifying the Constitution. Some, like the anti-Federalist Brutus, argued a large republic would lead to elite control rather than true representation.

Highlight: Understanding Brutus' arguments against ratification is crucial for the AP exam.

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

View

Declaration of Independence: Foundations of American Democracy

The Declaration of Independence laid the groundwork for American democratic ideals and government structure. This foundational document drew on earlier influences like the Magna Carta and Enlightenment philosophy.

Key concepts introduced include:

  • Natural rights of life, liberty, and property
  • Social contract theory
  • Popular sovereignty
  • Republicanism
  • Consent of the governed

Definition: Natural rights are inherent, inalienable rights possessed by all humans, as articulated by John Locke. The Declaration lists "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" as examples.

The document follows a petition format with:

  1. Preamble
  2. Rationale
  3. List of 27 grievances against King George III
  4. Conclusion (redress)

Highlight: While not legally binding, the Declaration of Independence is considered organic law that expresses core American political principles.

Vocabulary: Redress means to set right or remedy a situation. The Declaration's conclusion calls for addressing the colonists' grievances.

The Continental Congress approved resolving to declare the 13 colonies as independent on July 2, 1776, with the formal Declaration signed on July 4, 1776.

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

View

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

View

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

View

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

View

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

View

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

View

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SuSSan, iOS User

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

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Ranked #1 Education App

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Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

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Average App Rating

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Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 12 Countries

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Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

AP Gov Unit 1 Notes: Ideals of Democracy & Declaration of Independence

user profile picture

aa

@ayarn

·

10 Followers

Follow

The Declaration of Independence established key principles of American democracy, including natural rights, popular sovereignty, and republicanism. It justified breaking from British rule by listing grievances against King George III. The document reflects Enlightenment ideas like John Locke's social contract theory and continues to shape American political ideals today.

10/15/2023

432

 

11th/12th

 

US Government and Civics

31

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Applying Key Concepts from the Declaration

This section covers how to analyze and apply concepts from the Declaration of Independence for AP Government free-response questions (FRQs).

Key task verbs to know:

  • Identify
  • Define
  • Describe
  • Explain

Example: To explain the Declaration of Independence, you might say: "It justified American independence by arguing that the British violated colonists' natural rights through actions like dissolving local legislatures and levying taxes without consent."

When analyzing primary sources:

  1. Skim the text
  2. Reread carefully
  3. Annotate key points and proper nouns

Highlight: The Declaration lists 27 specific grievances against King George III to build the case for independence.

The principles outlined in the Declaration, like popular sovereignty and natural rights, laid the philosophical groundwork that the Constitution would later codify into specific government processes and institutions.

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Social Contract and Limits on Government Power

This section explores how Enlightenment ideas about the social contract influenced American political philosophy and the structure of the new government.

Key points:

  • John Locke's concept of natural rights (life, liberty, property)
  • People surrender some rights to form a commonwealth for mutual protection
  • Government derives legitimacy from consent of the governed
  • Regular elections as a mechanism for expressing consent

Definition: The social contract is the idea that people voluntarily give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Quote: "If all members of the commonwealth are equal in natural rights, then all retain power. Decisions are made about actions of the state via consent of the governed."

The founders sought to create a limited government that would protect natural rights while preventing tyranny. This led to concepts like:

  • Separation of powers
  • Checks and balances
  • Federalism

Vocabulary: Limited government refers to a system where government power is restricted by law, typically through a constitution.

Understanding these philosophical underpinnings is crucial for analyzing how the U.S. system reflects a commitment to limited government and popular sovereignty.

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Theories of Democracy and Civic Participation

This section examines different models of representative democracy and associated civic behaviors.

Three main theories:

  1. Pluralist - Policy influenced by various non-governmental groups
  2. Elitist - Policy controlled by wealthy and powerful elites
  3. Participatory - Citizens directly influence policy

Definition: Participatory democracy emphasizes direct citizen involvement through activities like voting, jury duty, protests, and local meetings.

Civic behaviors associated with each model:

  • Pluralist: Voting, letter writing, civic group membership
  • Elitist: Campaign donations, meeting policymakers
  • Participatory: Protests, testifying at hearings

Example: A citizen attending a town hall meeting to voice concerns about a local issue exemplifies participatory democracy in action.

These competing theories shaped debates around ratifying the Constitution. Some, like the anti-Federalist Brutus, argued a large republic would lead to elite control rather than true representation.

Highlight: Understanding Brutus' arguments against ratification is crucial for the AP exam.

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Declaration of Independence: Foundations of American Democracy

The Declaration of Independence laid the groundwork for American democratic ideals and government structure. This foundational document drew on earlier influences like the Magna Carta and Enlightenment philosophy.

Key concepts introduced include:

  • Natural rights of life, liberty, and property
  • Social contract theory
  • Popular sovereignty
  • Republicanism
  • Consent of the governed

Definition: Natural rights are inherent, inalienable rights possessed by all humans, as articulated by John Locke. The Declaration lists "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" as examples.

The document follows a petition format with:

  1. Preamble
  2. Rationale
  3. List of 27 grievances against King George III
  4. Conclusion (redress)

Highlight: While not legally binding, the Declaration of Independence is considered organic law that expresses core American political principles.

Vocabulary: Redress means to set right or remedy a situation. The Declaration's conclusion calls for addressing the colonists' grievances.

The Continental Congress approved resolving to declare the 13 colonies as independent on July 2, 1776, with the formal Declaration signed on July 4, 1776.

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

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* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

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Access to all documents

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

* Unit 1'
11ideals
bideals of democracy
vide
one:
•magna carta
• english petition of
right
• english bill of right
english common law
• glor

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Join milions of students

Improve your grades

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

13 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 12 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying