AP Gov Foundational Documents

Declaration of Independence

A 1776 document authored by Thomas Jefferson declaring American colonies' independence from Britain, emphasizing natural rights, social contract, and the right to revolt.

Core Principles of Declaration of Independence

Natural Rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness), Social Contract (governments derive power from consent), Right to Revolt (abolish government that fails to protect rights).

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government established in 1781 post-independence, characterized by state sovereignty and a weak national government.

Core Principles of Articles of Confederation

State sovereignty (states held most power) and no executive, judiciary, or taxing power.

U.S. Constitution

The foundational document of U.S. governance created in 1787, establishing federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.

Core Principles of U.S. Constitution

Federalism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, Supremacy Clause, Necessary and Proper Clause, Bill of Rights.

Federalist No. 10

A paper by James Madison arguing that factions are inevitable but can be controlled in a large republic, thereby protecting against tyranny.

Key Argument of Federalist No. 10

A large republic dilutes the power of factions and promotes pluralism.

Federalist No. 51

James Madison's paper discussing the importance of checks and balances between branches of government.

Key Argument of Federalist No. 51

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition; each branch must be independent to check others.

Federalist No. 70

Alexander Hamilton's essay advocating for a single, strong executive to ensure efficiency and accountability.

Key Argument of Federalist No. 70

A single executive provides stronger leadership and decisiveness than a council.

Federalist No. 78

Alexander Hamilton's defense of the judiciary as the least dangerous branch, emphasizing the need for judicial review.

Key Argument of Federalist No. 78

Judicial independence is crucial for upholding the Constitution, with life tenure ensuring this independence.

Brutus No. 1

An Anti-Federalist paper arguing against the Constitution, claiming it grants too much power to the federal government.

Key Argument of Brutus No. 1

A large republic cannot effectively represent diverse interests, leading to potential tyranny.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

A letter by Martin Luther King Jr. asserting the moral duty to disobey unjust laws and advocate for civil rights.

Key Argument of Letter from Birmingham Jail

Justice must be demanded immediately; delays in justice are equivalent to denial.