AP Gov Argumentative Essay FRQ (Unit 1)

Federalist 10 (James Madison) Main ideas, big idea, examples of arguments it supports

Main Ideas:

• Advocates for a large republic to manage the dangers of factions (interest groups) effectively.

• Warns that smaller governments (e.g., individual states) are more vulnerable to majority tyranny.

• Argues that a diverse republic dilutes the power of any single faction, protecting minority rights.

Big Idea:

• A strong, unified republic can better balance competing interests and maintain stability compared to fragmented state governments.

Arguments It Could Support:

• Pluralism makes democracy stronger

• The Constitution prevents tyranny of the majority

• Large republics are more effective than small ones

• Representation is necessary for stability

Brutus I Main ideas, big idea, examples of arguments it supports

Main Ideas: Written by Anti-Federalists to caution against ratifying the Constitution.

• Argues that the proposed federal government’s powers—especially taxation, military control, and the Elastic Clause—would lead to tyranny.

• Calls for a Bill of Rights to safeguard individual freedoms.

• Warns that a vast republic cannot adequately represent its citizens and risks judicial overreach.

Big Idea:

• A powerful centralized government threatens personal liberties, and a smaller, localized government is better suited for protecting democracy.

Arguments It Could Support:

• A large republic will lead to tyranny

• The “necessary and proper” and “supremacy” clauses are dangerous

• Representation will not be truly “of the people”

• Liberty is more secure in small republics

• The Constitution could lead to an oppressive army

Declaration of Independence Main ideas, big idea, examples of arguments it supports

Main Ideas:

• Asserts that all individuals possess inalienable rights—Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—rooted in Enlightenment ideals, particularly John Locke’s philosophy.

• Justifies revolution against governments that fail to protect these rights.

• Stresses the necessity of balancing governmental power to avoid tyranny.

• Lists 27 grievances against the British government (taxation without representation, biased judges, trials without juries)

Big Idea:

• The Declaration establishes the philosophical foundation for American democracy and emphasizes the people's right to alter oppressive governments.

Arguments it could support:

• Government exists to protect natural rights

• Government’s power comes from the consent of the governed

• People can overthrow unjust governments

• Equality is a founding principle

Articles of Confederation Main ideas, big idea, examples of arguments it supports

Main Ideas:

• Created a loose alliance of sovereign states with a weak central government.

• Lacked essential powers like taxation authority, an executive branch, or a national judiciary, leading to difficulties in governance and enforcement of laws.

Big Idea:

• The Articles highlighted the need for a stronger federal government, setting the stage for the Constitution

Arguments it could support:

• Weak central government protects state sovereignty

• Fear of centralized power shaped early government

• Lack of taxing power crippled the government

• Supermajority rules made effective governance impossible

• No executive or judiciary meant no enforcement

• Failure to manage interstate conflict and defense

Constitution and Bill of Rights Main ideas, big idea, examples of arguments it supports

Main Ideas:

• Establishes the federal government’s structure, balancing powers among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches with checks and balances.

• The Bill of Rights ensures the protection of individual liberties:

  • Amendments 1-8: Guarantee rights like free speech, religion, and protection against unreasonable searches.

  • Amendment 9: Protects rights not explicitly listed in the Constitution.

  • Amendment 10: Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states.

Big Idea:

• The Constitution addresses the weaknesses of the Articles, creating a robust federal system with explicit protections for citizens.

Arguments it could support:

• Stronger federal government solves problems of the Articles

• Checks and balances prevent tyranny

• Federalism balances state and national power

• Republicanism protects liberty

• BOR protects individual freedoms

Steps for Argumentative Essay FRQ (6)

1. Understand the Prompt

2. Thesis (1 pt)

• Start with a clear claim + reason (“because…”).

• Use the position that best fits the documents

3. Organize Documents & Concepts

• Next to each document, note its stance + how it supports your thesis.

• Spend a couple minutes planning before writing.

4. Evidence (up to 3 pts)

• 1 pt: Name one relevant piece of evidence. (from relevant doc)

• 2 pts: Use it to support thesis.

• 3 pts: Add another piece.

5. Reasoning (1 pt)

• Explain how/why evidence supports thesis.

• Only need to explain at least one document clearly.

6. Counterargument (1 pt)

• Acknowledge another view (“others argue…”).

• Refute (they’re wrong) or rebut (good point, but yours is stronger).

Federalist 51 (James Madison) Main ideas, big idea, examples of arguments it supports

Main Ideas:

• Checks and balances are essential so that each branch can limit the others.

• Separation of powers ensures no single branch becomes too powerful.

• Ambition must counteract ambition — people in each branch will naturally try to expand their power, but that competition keeps balance.

• Legislative branch is the strongest, so it must be divided into two houses (bicameralism).

• Federalism creates double security — power is divided between the national and state governments, and within each government into separate branches

• Government must control the governed, but also control itself

Big Idea:

• The Constitution’s system of separation of powers and checks and balances is the best way to prevent tyranny and protect individual liberty

Arguments it could support:

• Checks and balances prevent tyranny

• Separation of powers protects liberty

• Federalism creates a double security for rights

• A strong legislature must be divided

• Government must control itself as well as the people