Principles of Government and Democracy

The video introduces AP Government, discussing the purpose of government, the state of nature, and the social contract. It covers key democratic ideals like natural rights, popular sovereignty, limited government, federalism, republicanism, rule of law, majority rule, and liberal democracy. The instructor emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for the AP exam and provides resources for further study.

What are the main goals of government as outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution?

• Establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty.

• Create laws, enforce taxes, build infrastructure, maintain a military, and regulate commerce.

• Establish a monarchy, ensure religious freedom, provide education, promote arts, and secure borders.

• Promote economic growth, ensure equality, provide healthcare, maintain peace, and protect the environment.

In a state of nature, what is the primary downside of having complete freedom?

• Absence of cultural development

• Risk of others infringing on your rights

• Inability to form social bonds

• Lack of technological advancement

What is the social contract in the context of forming governments?

• A treaty between nations to prevent war

• An agreement to trade goods and services

• A pact to protect natural rights by forming a government

• A contract to ensure economic prosperity

What does popular sovereignty mean?

• The government has absolute power over its citizens

• The government is controlled by religious leaders

• The power of the government comes from the people

• The government is chosen by a select group of elites

Which principle divides the federal government into three branches?

• Federalism

• Republicanism

• Separation of powers

• Checks and balances

What is the purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

• To ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful

• To divide power between federal and state governments

• To allow citizens to vote directly on laws

• To establish a monarchy

What does republicanism refer to in the context of government?

• A political party advocating for conservative policies

• A form of government where citizens vote directly on laws

• A representative form of government

• A system where the government is controlled by the military

What is the rule of law?

• A principle that laws should be based on religious texts

• A system where laws are created by a single ruler

• The concept that no person is above the law

• The idea that laws apply differently to different people

How does a liberal democracy differ from other forms of government?

• It is controlled by a single political party

• It does not allow for any form of public voting

• It focuses on economic equality

• It emphasizes liberty and freedom with elected policymakers

What challenge does majority rule with minority rights aim to address?

• Ensuring that the majority always wins

• Eliminating the need for elections

• Allowing the minority to have more power than the majority

• Preventing the majority from oppressing minority groups