AP Am. Gov. Pol Important documents (All Units)

Federalist 10

Federalist 10

A strong united republic would be more effective than the individual states controlling the “factions.

A large republic would help control factions because when more representatives are elected, there will be more opinions, therefore, it is far less likely that there will be one majority oppressing the rest of the people.

Federalist 51

Proposes the three branches where they are all self-sufficient, but each should have some power over the other to prevent one from taking over the government.

The Legislative has to have two parts (HoR, and Senate) because it’s the most powerful branch.

Big Idea: Limited government and checks and balances

Federalist 70

Argues that unity in the executive branch is a main ingredient for both energy and safety.

Also maintains that governmental balance can only be achieved if each branch of government has enough autonomous power such that tyranny of one branch over the others cannot occur (Checks and Balances)

Big idea: The presidency has been enhanced beyond its expressed constitutional powers.

Federalist 78

The judicial branch's design ensures the Supreme Court's independence, while judicial review remains a significant practice in the judiciary.

Brutus 1

Antifederalist series of essays made to encourage New Yorkers to to reject the proposed Constitution

Federal Government's Power and Liberties
• Power of federal government necessitates sacrifice of liberties.
• Bill of rights necessary to protect people from government.
• Congress's excessive power: taxation, standing army, taxes, Elastic Clause.
• Free republic in large territory like the U.S.
• Judicial authority could lead to tyranny.

Main idea: The proposed constitution would lead to an overly powerful central government.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

The Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause and other constitutional provisions have frequently been utilized to promote equality.

The Constitution

The Constitution emerged from the debate over the flaws in the Articles of Confederation, serving as a blueprint for limited government.

Articles of Confederation

The United States first Constitution

To establish a national government and to establish the United States as a sovereign nation

Declaration of Independence

The American political development has consistently maintained a balance between governmental power and individual rights.