AP Government Unit 1 Flashcards

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Declaration of Independence

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• Historic Doc adopted on 6/4/1776

• Authors included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and others

• Announced American colonies' separation from British rule

• Incorporates the fundamental principles of individual rights and the consent of the governed

• Established a foundation for equal rights and equality

• Helps support the idea that without checks & balances, a strong executive branch is dangerous

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Articles of Confederation

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• First governing doc of United States

• Ratified in 1781

• Established weak central gov't and loose alliance of independent states

• Aimed to preserve state sovereignty while managing collective affairs

• National government couldn't tax or build standing army

• Unicameral (single) legislature

• Ultimately proved insufficient to address growing challenges

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Bill of Rights

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• The first 10 amendments to the constitution

• Guarantees essential rights & liberties to individuals

Created to protect citizens from potential government overreach

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1st Amendment

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• Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and right to petition the government

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4th Amendment

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• Freedom from unreasonable searches & seizures

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5th Amendment

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• Due process rights

• Fair justice, freedom from self-incrimination, freedom from double-jeopardy

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9th Amendment

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• Protects the right to vote

• Protects the right to travel

• Protects the right to privacy

• The right to one's own body (women can have abortions)

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10th Amendment

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• Division of powers between states and federal government (federalism)

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13th Amendment

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• Abolishment of slavery

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14th Amendment

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• Equality

• Due process clause