AP United States Government and Politics Summer Reading Welcome to AP Government and Politics: United States and Comparative. We will be spending the first half of the year studying the government and politics of the United States. To get a jump‐start, you are responsible for reading Chapters 1,2 and 4 in our textbook. We will have a 100‐point test the first week of school on these three chapters. The test will be three short answer questions from the following list and 40 multiple‐choice questions. The answers to questions will not be collected, however three of them will be appearing on the exam. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE READING BY THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. Short Answer (Free Response) Questions as follows: Chapter 1 – The Study of American Government 
Identify and explain the two concepts of democracy discussed in the chapter and identify with examples which one of these concepts is used to describe the U.S. government. 
Discuss the reasons for the Framers favoring representative democracy over direct democracy. What are the requirements for successful representative government? 
Differentiate between majoritarian politics and elitist politics, explaining the four major theories of the latter. Chapter 2 – The Constitution 
Explain how the problems created by the Articles of Confederation led to the creation of a stronger form of government under the Constitution. 
Compare and contrast the Virginia and New Jersey plans and how they led to the “Great Compromise.” 
Explain why separation of powers and federalism became key parts of the Constitution. 
The text leaves open the question of whether the U.S. Constitution created a democratic system of government and truly respects liberty. What evidence exists that the U.S. Constitution cut back on democracy and curtailed the power of the people to influence decisions? In other words, argue that the U.S. Constitution was designed to limit democracy and individual liberty. 
Explain James Madison’s logic with respect to liberty and the size of republics (Federalist # 10). How can liberty be more secure when republics are “extended” and there are more factions? Chapter 4 – American Political Culture 
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Explain the term political culture. Why is it important to examine political culture as well as political institutions and laws to understand a political system? List the various sources of U.S. political culture and comment on the relative importance of each. What is the difference between internal and external political efficacy. 
The U.S. political culture centers on the values of liberty and equality, yet these values have different meanings in the political and economic systems. Explain how liberty and equality are defined both politically and economically.