AP Gov Required Documents

The Declaration of Independence

Proclaimed the separation of the thirteen British colonies in North America from the British government. It was based on a resolution proposed by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States.” The Declaration of Independence announced to the world the colonies’ intentions of breaking away from Britain and explained the colonies’ actions to gain support for their cause.

The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union

Organized the United States as a confederation—a form of government in which most of the power remained with the states. The national government, consisting only of a Congress, was given very limited powers. This was a result of colonial experience under British rule leading up to the American Revolution. This limited power led to chaos, because the government could not tax, draft soldiers, or create a single currency for nationwide use. In the end, these problems created the conditions that led to Shays’s Rebellion and the resulting ineffective response by the national government. This crisis led to a meeting to discuss amending the Articles that resulted in the drafting of a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

The Constitution of the United States

Replaced the Articles of Confederation as the framework of the national government. It was ratified after much controversy between the Federalists and the Antifederalists over the proper scope and power of the national government. It is the highest law of the land.

Brutus No. 1

Written by an Anti-Federalist, a document opposing the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. It argues that a large, consolidated national government would destroy state sovereignty and individual liberties, advocating instead for a confederation of small, local republics.

Federalist No. 10

James Madison argues that a large, representative republic is the best way to control the dangers of "factions" (groups with interests contrary to the public good). He contended that while factions are inevitable due to human nature, a large republic dilutes their power by making it difficult for any single faction to dominate, forcing compromise and protecting minority rights better than a small democracy could. The essay, part of The Federalist Papers, supports the U.S. Constitution by explaining how a strong union can manage these conflicts and prevent instability. 

Federalist No. 51

James Madison explains how the U.S. Constitution’s structure creates a system of separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny. It famously argues that "ambition must be made to counteract ambition," ensuring that 3 branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—protect their own power while limiting others.

Federalist No. 70

Alexander Hamilton argues for a single, energetic executive (president) as essential to a good government. Hamilton contends that a "unitary executive" ensures accountability, secrecy, dispatch, and decision-making, while a plural executive or council causes conflict, delays, and hides faults.

Federalist No. 78

Alexander Hamilton argues for a strong, independent judicial branch with the power of judicial review to strike down unconstitutional laws. Hamilton deemed the judiciary the "least dangerous" branch as it lacks force or will, relying on the executive to enforce decisions.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Written in 1963 from a jail cell, Martin Luther King Jr. defends the strategy of nonviolent direct action to combat segregation. Responding to moderate clergymen, King argues that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," asserting a moral responsibility to break unjust laws through peaceful protest.