AP US gov foundational documents

Declaration of Independence

Document authored by Thomas Jefferson declaring independence from Britain, emphasizing natural rights and the role of government and gov.’s job to protect them

Influenced heavily by John Locke

Consent of the Governed; Popular Sovereignty; Social Contract Theory

Limited government

Natural Rights

Rights that include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; considered fundamental and protected by government.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the U.S., creating a weak confederal government with no executive or judicial branches.

Unicameral Legislature

Each State = 1 vote (2-7 delegates); 9/13 votes needed to pass laws

No Executive / No Judicial

No power to raise an army

U.S. Constitution

Outlines the structure of the U.S. government, establishes three branches, and includes an amendment process, as well as checks and balances

27 Amendments (including the Bill of Rights)

Federalist No. 10

Essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic is the best way to control factions and prevent tyranny.

Pluralism --> many factions competing for influence leads to only the best ideas being enacted

Prevents tyranny of the majority; Views of people will be “refined and enlarged” by their elected representatives

Brutus 1

Anti-Federalist essay criticizing the Constitution for giving too much power to the central government.

Federalist No. 51

James Madison's essay discussing checks and balances among the three branches to prevent government tyranny.

All keep power from becoming too centralized -- prevent one person/one group from taking over the government

Federalist No. 70

Hamilton's argument for a single, energetic executive to ensure decisive leadership in government.

President must be single person; having a dual executive or committee will lead to confusion, disagreement, and inability to act decisively

Federalist No. 78

Hamilton's essay highlighting the judiciary's role in interpreting the Constitution and its independence.

• Argues that the federal courts have the duty to determine whether acts of Congress are constitutional and to follow the Constitution impartially. Hamilton viewed this as a protection against abuse of power by Congress.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Letter by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. advocating for justice and civil rights through nonviolent direct action.