AP Gov Documents to Know

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring independence from Britain and asserting natural rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Articles of Confederation

America’s first national government creating a weak central authority and strong state sovereignty, later replaced due to lack of powers.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law that establishes the federal government’s structure, powers, and limits.

Federalist No. 10

James Madison argues that a large republic can mitigate the harmful effects of factions by establishing a system of checks and balances, thereby ensuring that no single faction can dominate the political landscape.

Federalist No. 51

An essay defending the Constitution’s separation of powers and checks and balances as essential to prevent tyranny.

Federalist No. 70

An essay defending the need for a strong, singular executive under Article II of the Constitution.

Federalist No. 78

An essay supporting the independence of the judiciary and introducing judicial review.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist paper that argued that a large, centralized republic, like the one proposed by the US Constitution, would be impractical and likely to lead to tyranny.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

A letter invoking moral law and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, defending civil disobedience against unjust segregation laws.