Foundations of American Government Principles and Their Impact on Democracy

This video provides a comprehensive review of key concepts for the AP Government exam, covering the principles of US government, models of democracy, federalism, constitutional compromises, and significant court cases. It explains the division of power between state and federal governments, the role of federal grants, and the impact of constitutional clauses. The video also offers resources for further exam preparation.

Which principle suggests that governments derive their power from the people?

• Natural Rights

• Popular Sovereignty

• Social Contract

• Republicanism

What type of democracy emphasizes broad citizen participation in policymaking?

• Direct Democracy

• Elite Democracy

• Participatory Democracy

• Pluralist Democracy

What was a major weakness of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?

• The power to regulate interstate commerce

• The inability to raise taxes

• The power to coin money

• The ability to declare war

Which compromise led to the creation of a bicameral legislature?

• Commerce Compromise

• Electoral College Compromise

• Great Compromise

• Three-Fifths Compromise

What is the main purpose of checks and balances in the US government?

• To ensure that each branch has equal power

• To allow the President to make laws

• To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

• To give the judicial branch more authority

Which power is shared by both the federal and state governments?

• Regulating interstate commerce

• Declaring war

• Coining money

• Taxation

What is the main characteristic of dual federalism?

• Federal and state governments share powers equally

• Federal and state governments operate independently within their own spheres

• Federal government has more power over state governments

• State governments have more power over the federal government

What is the purpose of block grants?

• To give states more flexibility in spending federal funds

• To reduce federal influence over state policies

• To provide states with funds for specific projects

• To ensure states comply with federal mandates

How has the interpretation of the Commerce Clause changed over time?

• It limits Congress to regulate only economic activities

• It allows Congress to regulate anything affecting interstate commerce

• It restricts Congress to only regulate direct interstate commerce

• It now allows states to regulate interstate commerce

Which Supreme Court case expanded federal power by using the Necessary and Proper Clause?

• McCulloch v. Maryland

• Gibbons v. Ogden

• US v. Lopez

• Marbury v. Madison