AP U.S. Government and Politics Flashcards: Ideals of Democracy
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
How does the U.S. Constitution reflect the ideals of democracy?
The U.S. Constitution acts as a social contract and establishes a system of limited government, providing the blueprint for a unique form of democratic government.
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How does the U.S. Constitution reflect the ideals of democracy?
The U.S. Constitution acts as a social contract and establishes a system of limited government, providing the blueprint for a unique form of democratic government.
Who is credited as the primary drafter of the U.S. Constitution?
James Madison is credited as the primary drafter of the U.S. Constitution at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
According to the text, what principles ensure the ideal of limited government?
Limited government is ensured by the interaction of principles including separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and republicanism.
Which U.S. foundational document is presented as an example of a social contract?
The U.S. Constitution, drafted at the Constitutional Convention, is an example of a social contract that establishes a system of limited government.
Define the concept of a social contract.
A social contract is an implicit agreement among people in a society to give up some freedoms to a government in order to maintain social order.
How does the Declaration of Independence reflect the ideal of natural rights?
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence restates the philosophy that all people have certain rights that cannot be taken away, providing a foundation for this ideal.
Which two democratic ideals are most directly reflected in the Declaration of Independence?
The Declaration of Independence most directly reflects the ideals of natural rights and provides a foundation for popular sovereignty.
What are natural rights?
Natural rights are the ideal that all people have certain rights from birth that cannot be taken away by the government.
What is the democratic ideal of popular sovereignty?
Popular sovereignty is the principle that all government power comes from the consent of its people.
What is the purpose of a limited government?
The ideal of a limited government ensures that a government's power is not absolute and is constrained by a set of laws or a constitution.