Foundational documents

Brutus 1

An argument against the ratification of the Constitution, fearing it gave the federal government absolute and uncontrolled power.

U.S. Constitution 1787

Created to replace the Articles of Confederation, establishing a stronger federal government with defined limits and powers.

Articles of Confederation 1781

Helped unify the 13 colonies but lacked a judicial or executive branch, the power to tax, and a national army.

Federalist 10 (James Madison)

Argued that a large republic would prevent the dominance of any one faction by including diverse groups.

Federalist 51 (James Madison)

Explains how the structure of the new government provides protection against factions through checks and balances.

Checks and Balances

A constitutional system distributing power among branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Federalist 70 (Alexander Hamilton)

Advocated for a single president to ensure energy and decisiveness in the executive branch.

Letter to Birmingham Jail (Martin Luther King Jr., 1963)

Defends nonviolent direct action and the need for immediate fulfillment of the 14th amendment's equal protection clause.

Federalist 78 (Alexander Hamilton)

Argues that the Judicial Branch is the least dangerous and needs life tenure to maintain independence.

The Declaration of Independence 1776

Formal document stating the reasons why the 13 colonies were breaking away from Great Britain, emphasizing popular sovereignty and natural rights.