AP Gov Founding Documents

wow yay

Articles of Confederation Author

John Dickinson

Brutus 1 Author

Robert Yates

Declaration of Independence Author

Thomas Jefferson #TJmax haha get it

Letter from Birmingham Jail Author

Martin Luther King Jr. (#mygoat)

(1787) Federalist #10 Author

James Madison (the big JM)

Federalist #51 Author

James Madison

Federalist #78 Author

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist #70 Author

Alexander Hamilton

United States Constitution Author

James Madison (dabigJM) :o

Articles of Confederation Key Ideas

• 1st constitution of the U.S

• Unicameral legislature: a single-chamber legislature, with each state having one vote

• Limited Central Power: the articles established a weak central govt., granting most authority to individual states.

• Created a loose alliance of sovereign states rather than a strong central govt. (independent states)

Brutus 1 Brief summary

• Anti-federalist paper arguing against ratifying the Constitution, favoring a SMALL DECENTRALIZED republic.

• Feared strong Central govt: “strong govt. will destroy sovereignty.”

• Preference for a confederation: Believed a decentralized govt. would protect liberty and prevent tyranny

Declaration of Independence Key Ideas

• Natural rights: humans posses inherent rights(life, liberty, pursuit of happiness)

• Right to self-government: power resides within people

• if a govt. violates its purpose, the people have the right to abolish it

Letter from Birmingham Jail Main Idea

• Individuals have a moral duty to break unjust laws through NONVIOLENT actions

• Defends civil rights movements

• Message: take direct action instead of waiting forever for justice

Federalist #10 Main Idea

• Warns of the dangers of factions

• Advocates for a large republic to control the dangers of factions

• Believed a large, diverse republic would make it difficult for a majority to tyrannize the minority

Federalist #51 Main Idea

• explains how the separation of powers protects liberty and prevents tyranny

• Stresses the importance of checks and balances among branches

• Supports federalism to protect individual liberties

Federalist #78 Main Idea

• Argues for an independent judiciary, lifetime tenure for judges

• Discusses the importance of judicial review and the role the judiciary branch plays in ensuring the Constitution laws are consistent with its principles and protects individual rights

Federalist #70 Main Idea

• Advocates for a strong and unitary executive branch (1 leader)

• Argues that 1 person is more efficient and powerful in times of crisis and ensuring accountability in govt.

United States Constitution Key Ideas

Framework of govt:

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

• Sovereignty

• Bill of Rights

Articles of Confederation Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: - Established governance, Diplomatic Success (Treaty of paris), Introduction to Federalism

Weaknesses: - Weak central govt., trade regulation deficiency, no power to tax, no national army, Unable to pay debts

Brutus 1 Counterpoint

Federalist 10

The bill of rights and constitution already protect rights

Declaration of Independence Key influences and modern day impact

Key influences: John Locke’s concept of life, liberty, and property

Modern day Impact: - a model for over 190 nations - it’s a foundational document - continues to influence other groups to gain independence

Letter from Birmingham Jail Modern impact

• Foundational text in human rights

• Often cited in modern discussions on criminal justice

• Inspires people to start change and fight for justice

Federalist #10 Modern Impact

Pluralism: many and diverse groups are good

Majority v. Minority rights

Federalist #51 Modern Impact

• checks and balances

• Federalism

• Protects minorities

Federalist #78 Modern Impact

• Foundation for judicial review

• Continues to influence debates on the role of the courts and the protection of individual rights

Federalist #70 Modern impact

• Modern presidency

• Executive branches roles and powers

United States Constitution Key Compromises

“The Great Compromise”: created a bicameral legislature and decided the number of votes in senate and house

3/5 Compromise: How slaves will be valued in voting

Electoral College: Officials are elected by popular vote

United States Constitution Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: balanced power, protection of indiv. rights, checks, and balances

Weaknesses: Interpretation in modern society, hard to change amendments, prone to gridlock