Foundational Documents

AP Gov foundational documents

the Declaration of Independence

natural rights (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness), social contract theory, and the right to revolt against oppressive governments

letter from Birmingham jail

justifies civil disobedience against unjust laws, calls for action against systemic injustice and emphasizes interconnectedness in fighting for civil rights

brutus no. 1

warns against the concentration of power in the federal government and argues for the protection of states’ rights and individual freedoms (anti-fed)

federalist no. 78

emphasizes the judiciary’s independence, life tenure for judges, and judicial review

federalist no. 70

advocates for a single energetic executive to ensure accountability and effective governance

federalist no. 51

separation of powers and checks and balances are essential to prevent tyranny

federalist no. 10

factions are inevitable but can be controlled in large republic through pluralism

the u.s. constitution

established the federal government structure, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and the inclusion of the Bill of Rights

the articles of confederation

weak central government (no power to tax or regulate commerce), state sovereignty, and the need for a stronger framework (leads to the constitution)