Exploring the Ideals of Democracy in AP Government

The video introduces the AP Government curriculum, focusing on democratic ideals like limited government, influenced by Enlightenment thinkers such as Locke, Hobbes, and Montesquieu. It explains how these ideas are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, emphasizing natural rights, popular sovereignty, the social contract, republicanism, and separation of powers. The video also discusses the drafting of the Constitution and its foundational principles, providing a comprehensive overview of the democratic framework of the United States.

What is the primary ideal of democracy discussed in the video?

• Direct democracy

• Absolute monarchy

• Unlimited government

• Limited government

Who were the two Enlightenment thinkers mentioned as having influenced the concept of natural rights?

• Locke and Hobbes

• Franklin and Adams

• Montesquieu and Rousseau

• Jefferson and Madison

What does the social contract theory suggest?

• Governments derive their power from divine right

• People give up some freedoms to a government to protect their rights

• People should have unlimited freedom without government

• Monarchs are the best form of government

What Enlightenment idea did Montesquieu contribute to the American founding documents?

• Natural rights

• Separation of powers

• Divine right of kings

• Direct democracy

According to the video, what was a key fear of the framers of the Constitution?

• The establishment of a new monarchy

• The potential for mob rule under pure democracy

• The lack of a standing army

• Foreign invasion

Which document is known as the first constitution of the United States?

• The Federalist Papers

• The Magna Carta

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

Who is credited with taking the lead in writing the Constitution?

• George Washington

• James Madison

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

How did Thomas Jefferson modify John Locke's natural rights in the Declaration of Independence?

• Life, liberty, and property

• Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

• Right to bear arms, to trial, and to vote

• Freedom of speech, religion, and assembly

What form of government did the framers of the Constitution establish to prevent mob rule?

• A totalitarian state

• A direct democracy

• An absolute monarchy

• A representative republic

Which foundational document outlines the reasons for America's break from the British Empire?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Federalist Papers

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Constitution