AP U.S.
Government and Politics Study Guide
Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
The United States was founded on Enlightenment ideas such as natural rights (life, liberty, and property),
popular sovereignty (the idea that power comes from the people), social contract (an agreement where
people give power to the government for protection), and republicanism (choosing leaders to represent the
people). The Founders wanted to prevent tyranny and protect freedom.
Important documents include the Declaration of Independence, which declared America's freedom from
Britain and said government gets its power from the people. The Articles of Confederation created the first
government but was too weak to be effective. The Constitution fixed this by creating a stronger national
government with checks and balances.
Federalist No. 10 argued that a large republic would prevent any one faction from taking over. In contrast,
Brutus No. 1 warned that a strong central government would threaten people's freedom.
Key compromises included the Great Compromise (creating the House and Senate) and the 3/5 Compromise
(counting slaves as 3/5 for population).
AP U.S. Government and Politics Study Guide
Unit 2: Branches of Government
The Constitution separates power into three branches: legislative (Congress), executive (President), and
judicial (Supreme Court). This structure prevents one branch from becoming too powerful.
Congress makes laws. It is divided into the House of Representatives (based on population, 2-year terms)
and the Senate (2 per state, 6-year terms). Congress can pass laws, declare war, and oversee the budget.
The House impeaches; the Senate holds removal trials.
The President enforces laws, commands the military, makes treaties, and appoints officials. The President
can veto laws, but Congress can override it.
The Supreme Court interprets laws and can strike them down using judicial review (established in Marbury v.
Madison). Life terms protect judges from political pressure.
Checks and balances make sure each branch limits the others. For example, the President can veto laws, but
Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote.
AP U.S. Government and Politics Study Guide
Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Civil liberties are protections from government interference, like freedom of speech or religion. Civil rights are
protections by the government to ensure equality.
The Bill of Rights lists important liberties, such as freedom of speech (1st Amendment), protection from
unreasonable searches (4th), and the right to a fair trial (6th).
Supreme Court cases have expanded or protected these rights. Engel v. Vitale stopped school prayer.
Gideon v. Wainwright guaranteed a lawyer in criminal trials. Roe v. Wade protected abortion rights.
McDonald v. Chicago said the right to bear arms applies to states.
For civil rights, Brown v. Board of Education ended segregation in public schools. Martin Luther King Jr.'s
"Letter from Birmingham Jail" defended peaceful protest as a way to challenge unjust laws.
AP U.S. Government and Politics Study Guide
Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs
Americans form their political beliefs through family, education, media, and social environments. This is called
political socialization.
Liberal and conservative ideologies shape opinions on government. Liberals generally support more
economic regulation and less personal regulation. Conservatives support free markets and more personal
responsibility.
American political culture includes shared values like democracy, liberty, and equality of opportunity. These
beliefs help unite Americans, even if they disagree on policies.
AP U.S. Government and Politics Study Guide
Unit 5: Political Participation
Voting is the most common form of participation. Older, more educated people vote more often. Primaries
help pick party nominees. General elections decide winners. The Electoral College selects the President
through state electors.
Political parties organize elections and create platforms. The U.S. mainly has two major parties: Democrats
and Republicans.
Interest groups and PACs try to influence government by lobbying and giving money to candidates. The
media plays a key role in shaping public opinion and acting as a watchdog.
AP U.S. Government and Politics Study Guide
Unit 6: Public Policy
Public policy is how the government responds to problems. The process includes identifying an issue, making
it a priority, creating policy, and evaluating how well it works.
Fiscal policy involves taxes and spending. It is controlled by Congress and the President. Monetary policy
controls the money supply and interest rates and is managed by the Federal Reserve.
Policy is influenced by interest groups, the media, and public opinion. Bureaucracies help carry out and
enforce these policies.
AP U.S. Government and Politics Study Guide
Unit 7: Bureaucracy and the Judiciary
The bureaucracy is made up of government agencies that carry out laws. Examples include the EPA and the
Department of Education. Bureaucrats use rules and procedures to enforce laws.
The "iron triangle" refers to the relationship between Congress, the bureaucracy, and interest groups. These
three work together to shape policy.
Judicial activism means judges make bold decisions and sometimes create new policy. Judicial restraint
means judges stick closely to existing laws and precedents.
Important court cases include Baker v. Carr (fair voting districts), Shaw v. Reno (no racial gerrymandering),
and Citizens United v. FEC (corporations can spend money in elections).
