APUSGOV Rolling Summative: Foundational Docs

Declaration of Independence

1. Declaring indepndace from GB, also stating the componets of democartic government.

   ideals of popular sovereignty, republicanism, limited government, natural rights, & social contract

   The government ensures protection of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness (natural rights).

   The government needs the “consent of the governed” in order for it to be a legitimate government (popular sovereignty).

   The people have the right to overthrow a government if they believe that it no longer serves its needs - “right to revolution” (social contract).

Articles of Confederation

The failures of the Articles of Confederation was proof that a strong federal government is necessary.

Problem – Federal government could not collect taxes

The country was unable to get out of debt & did not have any money for projects.

Problem – Federal government could not have a military

The federal government could not protect itself against foreign invasions or any aggression of any kind, which was evident with Shays’ Rebellion

Problem – Each state had one vote in the legislature

This lead to unequal representation & large states equal power as small states.

Problem – Needed 9 states to agree for a law to pass and all 13 to agree for an amendment to pass.

Brutus 1

Argues for a weaker federal government & stronger state governments

A smaller government will be able to meet the needs of the people because it will be closer to them & aware of their issues

A smaller government will know the regional needs of each state because each area of the country will have different issues

Fed 10

Argues for a strong federal government based on a larger republic to control factions for reasons listed below

Factions are inevitable in a large country because people will have different wants and desires. Only a strong national government will be able to control factions & not allow them to take over.

A representative government will work best in a large republic where people will be able to elect their officials.

A system of federalism will exist & states will still have their own governments, which will be able to provide for the needs of the people in those states. This will allow for a smaller government to exist within a strong federal government.

Fed 51

Argues that a strong federal government will have safeguards (limited govt).

Separation of Powers three different branches of government, each with its own distinct powers (legislative makes laws, executive executes laws, judicial interprets laws) so that one branch cannot become too powerful.

Checks and Balances so that each branch of government can keep the other branches in line so that it can keep it accountable & prevent it from taking over the government

Fed 70

It argues for the need of a strong executive

A strong leader will be able to effectively implement the laws of this country and maintain a strong government

A strong leader will be able make quick decisions and be able to protect the country in dealing with foreign attacks

The leader needs to be strong, competent, and has the physical abilities to carry out the duties of the office.

Fed 78

It argues for the need of an independent judiciary

An independent judiciary will make sure that our political rights are not taken away because they will focus on the law & not politics/public opinion. Life terms helps ensure this.

An independent judiciary will keep Congress & President within the limits of their authority - (Judicial Review).