Foundational Papers/Documents - AP Gov

Federalist Papers

Federalist #51

Separation of powers and checks and balances will prevent tyranny.

Federalist #10

Factions are bad, but inevitable. A large, representative republic with decentralized system of government can prevent majority factions assuming too much power.

Brutus #1

A strong federal government will “possess absolute and uncontrollable power”, including the authority to commission a standing national army.

Federalist #70

Executive power should be lodged in a single person—the energetic president—in order to best protect liberty and guard the people.

Federalist #78

Defined the judiciary as the “weakest” of the three branches, but emphasized the importance of judicial review and an independent judiciary.