AP Gov Foundational Docs

Declaration of Independence

1.All men are created equal.

2. All men have basic human rights given to them by God.

3.The only reason to have a government is to protect these basic human rights, which Jefferson lists as "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

4.These United states are and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.

5.Governments are instituted by men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Articles of Confederation

Gave states of the US sovereignty and most powers

State appointed delegates meet once a year

Federal government oversees most war actions

Only good outcome was separation of land

Failed because the government was too decentralized and couldn't function

Brutus I

When people give someone or something(like the Government) power, it is very hard to take it back except for by force

The Elastic and Supremacy clauses give the Federal government unlimited power

There actually is a couple of powers that are reserved for states but they are small and insignificant and therefore will be taken away from the Government

It could be dangerous to give the federal government the right to tax because then it would get to powerful and almost even be tyrannical

Allowing the government to establish a standing army will lead to the destruction of liberty in peace and war.

Federalist 10

1. James Madison wrote about which type of government is best for limiting the negative effects created by factions.

2. Madison defined a faction as a group with a common political purpose and said that the causes of factions cannot be removed, only limited.

3. The majority should be prevented from oppressing the minority. However, direct democracies cannot control factions, so majorities will almost always oppress minorities.

4. The larger a republic becomes, the more difficult it is for the majority to oppress the minority.

5. A large republic is the most effective way to control these factions and prevent the majority from oppressing minorities.

Federalist 51

Checks and balances are a necessary part of the government

Government is necessary because people aren't perfect but the people in government aren't perfect either

Congress is the strongest branch so it must be divided

Federalism and separation of powers protects the rights of the people

Goal of government is justice

US Constitution, Article I

Establishes the U.S. Congress

US Constitution, Article I, Sections 8

Outlines expressed powers of Congress

US Constitution, Article I, section 9

limits on Congress

US Constitution, Article I, Sections 10

powers prohibited of states

US Constitution, Article II

Establishes the Executive Branch

US Constitution, Article III

Establishes the judiciary

US Constitution, Article IV

Full Faith and Credit clause (states must respect laws, public acts/records of other states - like marriages)

US Constitution, Article V

Amendment Process- Two methods of proposal:

⅔ of both houses of Congress

⅔ of a National Convention called by State Legislatures

Two methods of Ratification:

¾ of state legislatures

¾ of state conventions

Amendments can not restrict a state's equal suffrage in the Senate

All amendments except the 21st have been proposed by Congress and ratified by state legislatures. The 21st was ratified by state conventions.

US Constitution, Article VI, section 2

No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the united states.

US Constitution, Article VI, section 4

This constitution, treaties, and laws of the U.S. shall be the supreme Law of the Land. (Supremacy Clause)

US Constitution, Article VII

Discusses the process required to establish the constitution among all the states. (ratification process); 9/13 states must sign it in order for it to be ratified.

Amendment 1

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition

Establishment Clause- prohibits establishment of religion by Congress

Free Exercise Clause- prohibits the government from interfering with practice of religion

Amendment 2

Right to bear arms

Amendment 3

Quartering troops

Amendment 4

search and seizure

Amendment 5

Guarantees due process rights

The right to a grand jury for federal offenses

Not incorporated by 14th amendment due process clause

The government has the right to take private property for public use

eminent domain

One can not be charged for the same offense twice

One can not be forced to testify against them self

"plead the fifth"

Amendment 6

Protects the rights of the accused in court

Right to a speedy and public trial, a fair jury, an attorney if wanted, and a chance to confront the witnesses accusing them

Amendment 7

Trial by jury

Amendment 8

No cruel and unusual punishment

Amendment 9

People's rights are not limited to those in the Constitution.

Amendment 10

Any rights not given to federal government are given to the states and people.

Amendment 12

Election of President and Vice President, Revision of Electoral College

Amendment 13

Abolition of slavery

Amendment 14

rights of citizens: 1)all persons born in the united states are granted citizenship, 2) no state can deny any person the equal protection of the laws, 3)no state can deny any person life, liberty, property without due process of law

Amendment 15

You cannot prevent a person from voting because of race, color, or creed.

Amendment 16

Allows the federal government to collect income tax

Amendment 17

Direct election of senators

Amendment 19

Women's right to vote

Amendment 21

Repeal of Prohibition

Amendment 22

Limit on presidential terms

Amendment 24

Abolition of poll taxes

Amendment 25

presidential succession, vice presidential vacancy, and presidential disability

Amendment 26

18 year olds get to vote.

Fed 70

- argues in favor of the unitary executive created by Article II of the United States Constitution

-According to Hamilton, a unitary executive is necessary to: ensure accountability in government. enable the president to defend against legislative encroachments on his power

- legislatures act slowly

- plurality would prevent accountability

Fed 78

- finding judges will be difficult in democracy

- permanent tenure necessary

- independent spirited judges

- judiciary is the weakest

"The judiciary ...will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution; because it will be least in a capacity to annoy or injure them."

Letter from Birmingham Jail

-A letter written by Martin Luther King Jr. after he had been arrested when he took part in a nonviolent march against segregation.

-Defends the tactics of the nonviolent Civil Rights movement

-He was disappointed more Christians/moderates didn't speak out against racism.