Founding Influences on American Government and Democracy

The video introduces the AP Government and Politics course, focusing on the ideals of democracy. It covers the influences on the founding of the United States, including the British constitutional system, political philosophy, and colonial traditions. Key concepts such as natural rights, social contract, popular sovereignty, and republicanism are explained. The video concludes with a discussion on how these concepts relate to the Declaration of Independence and provides exam preparation tips.

What is the primary focus of the AP Government and Politics course introduction?

• The role of the President

• The influences on the founding era of the United States

• The structure of the U.S. government

• The history of the American Civil War

Which document is NOT part of the British constitutional system that influenced American colonies?

• Declaration of Independence

• English Bill of Rights

• Magna Carta

• Charters by various kings

Which political theorist is NOT mentioned as an influence on the founders?

• John Locke

• Baron Montesquieu

• Thomas Hobbes

• Greek direct democracies

What is the significance of the Iroquois Confederacy in the context of political influences?

• It was a system of government established by Native Americans

• It was a European political system

• It was a British colony

• It was a French political theory

What was a significant economic system influencing the colonies?

• Capitalism

• Mercantilism

• Feudalism

• Socialism

What is the role of colonial legislatures in the context of self-government?

• To allow for self-governance

• To establish a monarchy

• To promote mercantilism

• To enforce British laws

Which of the following is NOT a key concept necessary for a limited government?

• Natural rights

• Social contract

• Absolute monarchy

• Popular sovereignty

What does John Locke's social contract theory emphasize?

• The power of economic elites

• The importance of living wages

• The role of political actors

• The protection of natural rights by the government

What does the concept of popular sovereignty entail?

• Governance without the consent of the governed

• Government control over all property

• Rule by a single monarch

• Power retained by the people

How is republicanism expressed in a large geographic area?

• Through direct democracy

• By appointing representatives

• Through monarchy

• By eliminating elections