U.S. Constitutional Foundations: Key Documents and Principles

Who authored the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson, on behalf of the Continental Congress.

What was the context of the Declaration of Independence?

Written in July 1776, it declared the colonies' independence from Britain.

Who was the audience for the Declaration of Independence?

Colonists and King George III.

What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To justify independence from Britain and advocate for self-government.

What assumptions did the Declaration of Independence make?

It assumed that all people have natural rights that government is supposed to protect.

Who wrote the Articles of Confederation?

Delegates of the Continental Congress.

What was the context for the Articles of Confederation?

Written during the Revolutionary War when Americans were cautious of a strong central government.

What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

To create a loose union of the thirteen states, leaving power to the states.

What assumption did the framers of the Articles of Confederation hold?

They assumed that a strong government was dangerous and that liberty was safest when power was decentralized.

Who was George Mason and what was his objective?

George Mason was a delegate from Virginia who refused to sign the Constitution, warning against ratifying it without a Bill of Rights.

What was the context of Federalist Paper #10?

Written by James Madison to defend the Constitution against anti-Federalists.

Who was the audience for Federalist Paper #10?

American voters, especially anti-Federalists.

What was the purpose of Federalist Paper #10?

To argue that a large republic is best for controlling factions.

What assumption did Madison make in Federalist Paper #10?

He assumed that factions are inevitable due to human nature.

What was the purpose of Federalist Paper #51?

To persuade states to ratify the Constitution by defending the system of checks and balances.

Who authored Federalist Paper #78 and what was its purpose?

Alexander Hamilton, to argue for the role of unelected judges in interpreting laws and protecting the Constitution.

What was the context of the Bill of Rights?

Drafted in 1791 after anti-Federalists demanded protection for individual liberties.

What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect essential freedoms such as religion, speech, and press.

What is the difference between a democracy and a republic?

In a democracy, majority votes directly on laws; in a republic, elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people.

What is the danger of pure democracy?

It can lead to the 'tyranny of the majority' where the majority's power oppresses minorities.

What is a faction?

A group of people united by interests that may oppose the rights of others.

What does 'tyranny of the majority' refer to?

When the majority uses its power to oppress minority groups.

What is the principle of checks and balances?

It ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

What does self-governance mean?

The authority of government comes from the people, who grant permission to be ruled.

What is the rule of law?

Everyone is bound by the law, ensuring that no one is above it.