* Weak central government, little powers given to Congress * No executive or judicial branch * Each state had 1 vote and amendments required unanimous approval
Articles of Confederation
2
New cards
* The first Anti-Federalist document that argued against the drafting of the United States Constitution * Written by Robert Yates * States that… * the Constitution would give too much power to the national government * A large republic leads to tyranny * A small republic is better to preserve personal liberties
Brutus #1
3
New cards
* The “law of the land” * Outlines the structure of the government with three branches * Creates a relationship between the national government and state governments * This is called FEDERALISM * Includes an amendment process which has allowed for 27 amendments with the first 10 being called the Bill of Rights
Constitution of the United States
4
New cards
* Written by Thomas Jefferson * Declared independence from Great Britain * “All men are created equal…endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights…among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” * Influenced by John Locke * Social Contract theory, limited government, consent of the governed
Declaration of Independence
5
New cards
* Written by James Madison * Argues that factions are inevitable * Causes of factions cannot be removed, relief only to be sought as a means of controlling its effects * A large government is the best form of government to address factions
Federalist #10
6
New cards
* Written by James Madison * The Constitution divides power to keep power from becoming too centralized * The legislative branch is the strongest but can be weakened by dividing congress, electing them differently and giving the executive the veto * “If men were angels, no government would be necessary”
Federalist #51
7
New cards
* Written by Alexander Hamilton * Energy in the executive is essential * A strong executive is needed. A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government * Advocates for a single executive instead of any greater number
Federalist #70
8
New cards
* Written by Alexander Hamilton * The judiciary has the least capacity to injure the political rights of the Constitution * If a law is in conflict with the Constitution, the latter must prevail and the interpretation of the laws falls to the judiciary * Life tenure frees judges from political pressure
Federalist #78
9
New cards
* Written by Martin Luther King Jr. * Non-violent direct action is the first step in the process that leads to policy change that advances civil rights * Legal pressure like the Brown v Board case can serve as a catalyst for a social movement, in this case, civil rights * Direct action by a social movement is the product of meticulous planning and strategy