U.S. Foundational Documents Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about U.S. foundational documents.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring American independence from Britain, authored by Thomas Jefferson.

Articles of Confederation

The first government of the U.S., characterized by a weak central government and strong state powers.

U.S. Constitution

Establishes a federal system with three branches, separation of powers, and checks and balances; foundation of U.S. government.

Federalist No. 10

Essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic can control factions better than a small one.

Federalist No. 51

Essay by James Madison defending the separation of powers and checks and balances in the Constitution.

Federalist No. 70

Essay by Alexander Hamilton arguing for a strong, single executive (President).

Federalist No. 78

Essay by Alexander Hamilton supporting life tenure for judges and judicial review.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist document warning against the Constitution giving too much power to the federal government.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

Letter by Martin Luther King Jr. defending civil disobedience against unjust laws.