Foundational Documents

Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

1. Main points/Arguments: This document highlights the colonies displeasure of British rule and that they want to break away, listing the reasons why, such as the taxes and no representation in parliament. 27 grievances against King George III. All men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights. It also mentions that the main point of the government is to protect these rights. 

2. Author’s Point of View: The author’s were the founding fathers of America who believe they have a natural right to self-govern and they are desperate to break away from Great Britain due to their violation of their rights. 

3. Impact: Officially severed the political ties between the colonies and Great Britain. Unified the colonies and inspired other countries to fight for their own freedom. Laid the foundation for how the government is run in the future.

Federalist 10

1. Main points/Arguments: Defended the form of republican government proposed by the Constitution. Well constructed union would break and control the violence of a faction. 2 ways of removing factions - 1. Destroy the liberty essential to their existence (worse than the disease) and 2. Give everyone the same opinions, passions, and interests (impossible to do). Differing groups would be hard to negotiate, compromise, and combine and the large size of the country would make it difficult for factions to gain control over others.

2. Author’s Point of View: Written by James Madison, a federalist. Federalists favored a strong, central government and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. 

3. Impact: Had an influence on the eventual ratifications of the Constitution, especially in New York.

Brutus 1

1. Main points/Arguments: Trying to convince New York citizens not to ratify the Constitution. Federal government has too much power. The Constitution would create a despotism and would infringe on the state’s independence. A bill of rights is needed. Having a standing army during times of peace would be harmful. The people’s power is difficult to regain once they part with it. 

2. Author’s Point of View: The author is unknown, though speculation suggests it may be Robert Yates. Definitely an Anti-Federalist.

3. Impact: Spurred Alexander Hamilton to organize and co-write the Federalist papers in response.

Articles of Confederation

1. Main points/Arguments: Establishes a national government with a single-house legislative branch, but no separate executive or judicial branch. Each state had one vote in Congress. Congress had the power to declare war, make treaties, and appoint military officers, foreign ambassadors, and other officials, but they could now tax, regulate trade, or draft soldiers. Any proposed amendments required unanimous approval from all 13 states. 

2. Author’s Point of View: The authors believed that a strong central government was a better option. Their fear of the central government, however, had come from their previous issues with Great Britain. 

3. Impact: Weak national government with most power staying with the states. The government was ineffective as there was a lack of ability to solve economic policy, disputes, and other issues.

The Constitution and 27 Amendments

1. Main points/Arguments: Establishes the framework for the government, dividing it into three branches: Judicial, legislative, and executive, with checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The amendments protect the rights of citizens and include changes to the constitution such as the abolishment of slavery and voting rights. 

2. Author’s Point of View: The authors were concerned with the Government as it was and wanted it to be more stable and stronger. The writers were all intelligent politicians, concerned with the wellbeing of the country, thus meaning they took their time making the constitution, making sure it is perfect for the country. 

3. Impact: Created a stable government network, still alsting to this day. The amendment process has allowed the constitution to evolve and adapt to the society surrounding it, with the bill of rights protecting our individual rights and freedoms.

Federalist 51

1. Main points/Arguments: In this essay, Madison discussed the Constitution’s structure, its three branches (legislative, executive, judicial), and the checks and balances in place to make sure no one branch has too much power. This is because Madison and the others believed that human nature is imperfect and that each branch would naturally want to try and gain more power over the other.  

2. Author’s Point of View: James Madison was the author, and at the time he was a federalist who wished for a strong, central government and for the ratification of the United States Constitution. 

3. Impact: This helped articulate just exactly how the government would work and prevent one branch from getting too much power. It emphasized the importance of this type of system and this essay helped influence readers, leading to the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalist 70

1. Main points/Arguments: Argued for a strong, single President as it is necessary for effective and energetic leadership. A single power would be more accountable to the public than a group and it will reduce the risk of internal conflict, as it will be a more stable and continuous leadership. 

2. Author’s Point of View: Written by Alexander Hamilton, who was a strong Federalist who wished for a strong centralized government and a ratification of the Constitution. Throughout this essay, and the others he wrote, he tried strongly to convince readers to help vote in favor of the new U.S constitution. 

3. Impact: Helped impact the shaping of the U.S executive branch and allowed for a decisive, single president, which is still how America runs in the future. Helped convince readers to vote to ratify the constitution.

Federalist 78

1. Main points/Arguments: Here, he argues for an independent judiciary, stating that it will play a vital role in the Constitution and protecting individual rights. A lifetime tenure for federal judges is vital and it ensures that they can make decisions in court free from political pressure and maintain stability in the law. He also emphasizes that they will have the power to review and interpret laws and ensure they conform to the Constitution. 

2. Author’s Point of View: Written by Alexander Hamilton, who was a strong Federalist who wished for a strong centralized government and a ratification of the Constitution. Throughout this essay, and the others he wrote, he tried strongly to convince readers to help vote in favor of the new U.S constitution. 

3. Impact: Helped impact the shaping of the U.S Judicial branch and allowed for a proper Supreme Court, which is still how America runs in the future. Helped convince readers to vote to ratify the constitution.

Letter from Birmingham Jail (MLK)

1. Main points/Arguments: In this letter, MLK Jr. defends the actions of the protestors with their nonviolent resistance against the segregation and injustice they face. He argues against unjust laws and emphasizes the urgency of the civil rights movement. He advocates for direct action and challenges those complacent in the unjust and discriminatory laws. 

2. Author’s Point of View: Martin Luther King Jr. was a nonviolent activist and leader of the civil rights movement during the 1900s. He urged for nonviolent protests and at this point he had been arrested due to his actions. 

3. Impact: This letter had a major impact on the civil rights movement by garnering a lot of support for the movement and influencing others to act in a nonviolent, yet urgent and eager manner, addressing the injustices people of color faced in America at the time.