AP Gov - Foundational Documents

Federalist No. 10

James Madison addressed the issue of “Factions”.

Brutus No. 1

New Constitutional government would be so powerful as to overwhelm the rights of individuals

Anti Strong National Government

Believed state governments were better for public policy because they were closer to the people

The Declaration of Independence

Anti Monarchy and Anti Strong Presidency

Government only has as much power as the people give it

Natural rights

The Articles of Confederation

One house structure - no executive or judicial

Strong state government - weak central government

The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Amendments

interaction between the three branches and different levels of government

checks and balances, 10th amendment, supremacy clause, necessary and proper clause, separation of powers (branches), federalism (levels)

Letters from a Birmingham Jail (Martin Luther King Jr.)

MLK jr. addresses criticism and explains why “extreme” civil disobedience is necessary for change

non violence

Federalist No. 70

Hamilton believes in a strong presidency because multiple executives would slow a decision down, especially in crucial times.

Federalist No. 78

federal judges should hold their positions for life under good behavior because it would allow them to focus on the law and constitution by guaranteeing them job security.

to prevent judiciary branch from being the weakest - checks and balances