Foundational Documents AP GOV

Federalist #10

Argued that the formation of several different factions (groups) provides the country with diversity and protects minority rights by forcing compromise. The more groups formed, the less likely tyranny would occur. 

Brutus #1

Argued the Constitution gave the federal government too much power and state governments would be nullified. Also claimed that the  legislative branch’s power was unlimited and was a threat to individual liberty

The Articles of Confederation

First attempt at an independent federal government. Gave states powers while severely limited federal government, leaving the country vulnerable to domestic and forgeign issues

The US Constitution

• Established the relationship between states and the federal government, outlining the reserved powers for the state, the delegated powers for the federal government, and the concurrent powers for both. Limits what states can and cannot do in Article IV (Federalism).

• Developed a complicated bill process to ensure laws are beneficial to the country and protect citizen’s rights

• Established the goals of the government as well as sets up its structure with the three branch system and their roles within the government (separation of powers and checks and balances)

Federalist #51

Argued the federal government was limited in power through the system of checks and balances embedded within the branches.

"Letter from a Birmingham Jail" (By MLK)

Explained the importance and value of nonviolent resistance to racism and injustice. He urged individuals to take direct action through peaceful civil disobedience by refusing to follow laws that were specifically designed to support segregation and discrimination. He argued that individuals had a moral obligation to break these unjust laws rather than wait for justice.

Federalist No.70

Argued that there was a need for a strong executive leader (president) especially in times of war and crisis. Having a weak leader or multiple leaders in charge ran the risk of different opinions and not being efficient when quick decisions were needed. Also argued a single executive would be watched more closely while a group would not.

Federalist No.78

Defined the purpose and need of an independent judicial branch and established it as the weakest branch of the three. Explained that the reason for judges getting office for life was to protect the judiciary from political pressure by Congress and the president and there were established limitations within the Constitution. Also developed the idea of judicial review to allow the judiciary to declare a law void if it is in violation of the Constitution.