9 Foundational Documents

declaration of independence

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and happiness…”

Letter from Birmingham Jail

This document criticized liberal white preachers for not actively supporting civil rights and famously stated unjust laws should not be obeyed.

Federalist 70

Alexander Hamilton argued the need for an energetic executive branch and for one main person (the president) to preside over the branch for effective governance.

US constitution

This document provided for a strong federal government with three branches, supremacy, and an amendment process requiring 2/3 of legislative branch and 3/4 of states.

federalist 78

This documents is about how an independent judiciary is necessary to insulate courts from politics

brutus 1

The writer believes standing armies, the supremacy clause, and the necessary and proper clause are concerns the federal government has too much power.

articles of confederation

This document created a government with no executive or judicial branch, a single chamber Congress that required 2/3 vote to pass a law and unanimity to amend.

federalist 10

This document says factions can be restrained by a large republic.

federalist 51

This document reassured people that creating a government with separation of powers and checks and balances will protect against tyranny.