Foudning documents

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Declared independence from Britain; emphasized natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness), popular sovereignty, and the right to overthrow unjust government.

Articles of Confederation (1781)

First U.S. government; weak central gov, no executive or judiciary, Congress couldn’t tax or regulate trade; failed because it couldn’t handle national problems.

U.S. Constitution (1787)

Replaced Articles; stronger federal gov; included separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism; Bill of Rights added to protect individual freedoms.

Federalist No. 10 (Madison)

Factions are inevitable, but a large republic can control them and prevent any one faction from taking over.

Federalist No. 51 (Madison)

Separation of powers and checks and balances keep government from becoming too powerful; “ambition must be made to counteract ambition.”

Federalist No. 70 (Hamilton)

Strong, single executive is necessary for effective government, accountability, and national defense.

Federalist No. 78 (Hamilton)

Judiciary is the weakest branch but needs independence and lifetime tenure; judicial review protects against unconstitutional laws.

Brutus No. 1 (Anti-Federalist)

Opposed Constitution; feared a too-powerful central gov, loss of states’ rights, and that a large republic couldn’t represent the people well.

Letter from Birmingham Jail (MLK Jr.)

Justifies civil disobedience; argues people have a moral duty to break unjust laws and fight injustice through nonviolent protest.