AP U.S. Government and Politics Glossary

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AP Government Curriculum Toolkit - 2024 Presidential Election Edition - Yearlong Version
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Declaration of Independence

Definition - The Declaration of Independence (1776), The pronouncement and founding document adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting at Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1776 declaring independence from Britain.

Sentence - This O.G. of foundational documents, the Declaration of independence sets the stage for the birth of the American nation and her political culture. A breakup letter, of sorts, from the American colonies to Brit nitwit King George III, this document is a rousing call for independence, freedom and equality that resonates throughout American political history. 

Current Events (scenario) - This NPR story examines the radical relevance of the Declaration of Independence.

Questions

  1. What is the most significant claim made by the Declaration of Independence?

  2. What does Jefferson mean by, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

  3. When Jefferson was writing about equality he meant equality of “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” What did he mean by that?

  4. Has our country lived up to Jefferson’s promise of equality?

  5. How would America need to change to be more equal?

AP Studio Art - Now draw The Declaration of Independence. Take 10 or 20 seconds. That’s all you need. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish or just cut and paste images that work. Now Look at your drawing. Say the name of the term. You’ve got it. That’s all.

Foundational Documents - Learn about all 9 Foundational Documents. Fill out this graphic organizer about the Declaration of Independence.

Fun Facts - Learn more about Tinker v. Des Moines.

High Five AP Government & Politics Exam Review Completely Updated for 2024
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High Five AP Government & Politics Exam Review Completely Updated for 2024
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Prepare for the 2024 AP® US Government Exam with High Five! Our Exam Review guide is completely redesigned and updated with over 140 pages of great AP Exam review material. Tons of completed graphic organizers are full of information to get you exam-ready in a flash.

This 2024 exam guide is an instant download and contains all the following resources.

  • Overview of the U.S. Government and Politics exam. 

  • Completed graphic organizers for all required documents + Supreme Court cases. 

  • Guide to the skills and content for all 5 course units. 

  • Essential vocabulary with link to online glossary.

  • Tons of Graphic Organizers with answers from each course unit.

  • GoPo Pro Tips.

  • Exam review Guides.

  • Full Length AP multiple choice + Free Response Exam with Key.

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