Required Foundational Documents | AP U.S. Government and Politics

The Declaration of Independence

An official declaration of the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain; asserts that all men are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It states that the purpose of government is to secure these rights, deriving its just powers from the consent of the governed. If a government fails to protect these rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. These are the core ideas that justified the colonies' break from British rule and established fundamental principles for the new nation.

The Articles of Confederation

The United States’ first constitution; had a weak central government and inability to tax.

The Constitution

The foundation of the American government. It outlines the structure and powers of the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), defines the relationship between the federal government and the states, and guarantees basic rights to citizens. It acts as the supreme law of the land, meaning no laws can contradict its principles.

Federalist 10

Addresses the dangers of factions and argues that a large republic, as envisioned in the Constitution, is the best way to mitigate their negative effects. Written by James Madison.

Federalist 51

Argues for the importance of checks and balances and separation of powers within the government to prevent tyranny and protect individual liberties. The paper defends the Constitution's structure, emphasizing how each branch of government is designed to restrain the others. It also highlights the role of federalism in further safeguarding individual rights by dividing power between the national and state governments. Written by James Madison.

Federalist 70

Argues for a strong, unitary executive (an energetic executive), specifically a single president, over a council or multiple executives. Contends that a unitary executive, with a single person at the head, can act with speed and decisiveness, which is essential for national security and the protection of liberty and property; written by Hamilton.

Federalist 78

Arguing for the importance of an independent judiciary and judicial review. It defends the tenure of federal judges and emphasizes their role in safeguarding the Constitution. Argues that it should be free from political influence to ensure fair and consistent application of laws. Written by Hamilton.

Brutus 1

An essay written under the pseudonym "Brutus" during the debates on the U.S. Constitution, primarily argued against the ratification of the Constitution. Brutus questioned the ability of a large republic to effectively govern and protect individual liberties, particularly emphasizing the potential for a strong central government to undermine state authority and the rights of the people

Letter from Birmingham Jail

A powerful open letter written by Martin Luther King Jr while incarcerated in Birmingham, Alabama, in April 1963. It was a direct response to criticisms from eight white religious leaders who had urged Black people in Birmingham to withdraw from nonviolent civil rights . In the letter, King defends the necessity of direct, including civil disobedience, against unjust laws and racial discrimination. He argues that waiting for change through legal channels is not an option and that Black people have waited too long for their rights