Studied by 0 people
Looks like no one added any tags here yet for you.
The Declaration of Independence
Adopted on July 4, 1776, this document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, articulates the colonies’ reasons for separating from Great Britain. It emphasizes natural rights, the social contract, and the right of the people to overthrow an unjust government.
The Articles of Confederation
Ratified in 1781, this was the first constitution of the United States. It established a confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government, which led to significant economic and diplomatic issues due to its inability to levy taxes or enforce laws effectively.
The Constitution of the United
Ratified in 1788, this document serves as the supreme law of the land. It outlines the framework for government in the U.S., establishing a stronger federal system compared to the Articles of Confederation while balancing power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Federalist No. 10
Written by James Madison in 1787, this essay addresses the dangers of factionalism and argues for a large republic where various interests can coexist and be moderated through representative democracy.
Federalist No. 51
Written by James Madison in 1788, this paper discusses the importance of checks and balances within government structures to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Federalist No. 70
In this essay written by Alexander Hamilton in 1788, he argues for a strong executive leader who can act decisively and efficiently while ensuring accountability through energy in governance.
Federalist No. 78
Written by Alexander Hamilton in 1788, this paper discusses judicial review and argues that an independent judiciary is essential for protecting individual rights against legislative encroachments.
Brutus No. 1:
This anti-Federalist paper written by an anonymous author critiques the proposed Constitution’s potential to create a powerful central government that could threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty.
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
an open letter written by Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1963, advocating for nonviolent civil disobedience against racial injustice. In this letter, King responds to criticism from eight white clergymen who deemed his actions as 'unwise and untimely,' emphasizing the moral responsibility to oppose unjust laws and the urgent need for civil rights reforms.
