This unit focuses on three major aspects of the AP exam: Foundations of Government, the Constitution, and Federalism, and . Here are the big picture topics for each that are critical to understand:
Constitutional Underpinnings:
- Philosophers: Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, etc.
- Articles of Confederation
- Constitutional Convention and key compromises
- Ratification & Federalists vs. Anti-Fedrealists
- Background of the Constitution (Causes, Convention, Ratification, Federalists, etc.)
- Separation of Powers
- Checks and Balances
- Theories of Democracy
Federalism
Policy:
Social Security
Health Care
Defense