AP Gov Key Documents

Gettysburg Address

Equality and popular sovereignty define American democracy

Emancipation Proclamation

Freed enslaved people in the states in rebellion against the Confederacy

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

People have a moral responsibility to obey just laws and resist unjust laws through nonviolent action

The Wealth of Nations

Self-interest and competition help allocate resources efficiently

US Constitution: Overall

Federalism, separation of Powers, and checks and balances limit government

Constitution: Preamble

“We the people” establishes popular sovereignty and states the Constitution's purposes

Constitution: Article I

Creates the legislative branch, Congress makes laws and executes enumerated powers

Constitution: Article II

Creates executive branch and the presidency

Constitution: Article III

Creates the judicial branch, federal judiciary and Supreme Court

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments protect individual liberties

Articles of Confederation

A weak national government lacked taxing and commerce powers

Brutus No. 1

A large republic and strong national government threaten liberty

Declaration of Independence

Government protects natural rights and derives power from consent

Federalist No. 10

A large republic helps control the effect of factions

Federalist No. 39

National and federal features divide government authority

Federalist No. 51

Separation of Powers and Checks & Balances prevent abuse

Federalist No. 70

A single, energetic executive provides effective leadership

Federalist No. 78

Courts may reject laws that conflict with the Constitution