AP Gov required doc practice

Declaration of Independence

all men are created equal and have unalienable rights, king mistreated the colonies and they are not represented → colonies choosing to separate and act as free/independent states, ratified in 1776

Articles of Confederation

First “constitution”, strong states and weak nat. gov - had the ability to making treaties, declaring war, and managing foreign affairs BUT could not inforce laws/descions, tax, or make a federal currency, 1 branch where each state had one vote in unicameral legislature

Federalist Papers

Written by John Jay, Hamilton, and James Madison to argue for the ratification of the constitution and explain how the constitution would work

Brutus 1

Anti-federalist attempt to argue to not ratify government, surrendering power to the central government means you cant get it back, nessecarry and proper clause gives Congress unlimited power, supremecy clause makes nat gov way more powerful than the states, the federal taxes will drain fed resources, US too big for one central goverment

Federalist #10

written by madison, factions are bad and lead to an unstable government but you cannot get rid of them w/o getting rid of liversty so instead being prevented you have to control them, this can be done through a republic, this is bc people cant take control as in direct democracy and a big republic is good because it creates a larger sphere of influence to prevent factions taking control

Federalist #51

written by madison, seperation of power (3 branches w/ ~ amount of power), checks and balances, and minority rights ( “if men were angels there would be no need to have a government)

Federalist #70

fed gov needs single executive bc it means no differing opinions and good energy(discpline, effectiveness, and efficicicany), blame can be out on one person

Federalist #78

constitution is supreme law, judical branch is least dangerous bc doesn’t deal with money, etc.., judicial branch is essential to protect constitution and individual rights, judges appointed for life but can be revoked for bad behavior, judcial branch prevent tyranny bc seperate from other branches and determines constitutionality of laws and prez actions