AP Government Foundational Documents

foundational Documents MAIN POINTS to know for AP exam

Declaration of Independence

MAIN POINTS: Natural rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness); consent of the governed and popular sovereignty; and the social contract theory— people have a right to rebel against the government if it has grieved the people

Articles of Confederation

MAIN POINTS: 13 articles outlining the new national government emphasizing state sovereignty— failed because the government lacked the power to tax, regulate commerce, and raise and hold an army, among other issues

Constitution

MAIN POINTS: established 3 branches of government with a bicameral Congress- gives more power to the central government while ensuring the states have some protections

Federalist #10 (James Madison)

MAIN POINTS: factions can be prevented by maintaining a strong central republic— we can’t take control of the factions so we must control the effects; and a large republic will lead to multiple small factions which cannot raise a majority

Brutus 1 by Robert Yates

MAIN POINTS: advocating for a smaller republic government— the Constitution gave too much power to the federal government and eventually people would sacrifice their individual liberties (necessary and proper clause; supremacy clause)

Federalist #51 (James Madison)

MAIN POINTS: each branch of government should have their own specific tasks and have some power over the other branches so one can’t take over— separation of powers and checks and balances

Federalist #70 (Alexander Hamilton)

MAIN POINTS: having one single executive in charge will lead to quick decision making in crises— NEED ENERGY in the executive (efficient and effective)

Federalist #78 (Alexander Hamilton)

MAIN POINTS: independent judicial branch— the judiciary is the least dangerous branch and the Justices have lifetime terms, ensuring independence— emphasis on judicial review

Letter from a Birmingham Jail (MLK)

MAIN POINTS: civil disobedience— people should be equal under law according to the 14th amendment— we need to fulfill the Declaration of Independence because it applies to everyone so we need to make it happen now