AP Government Review: Foundational Documents & Federalist Papers

Flashcards covering key concepts related to foundational documents and debates in American government.

Declaration of Independence

A document that justifies the American colonies' break from Britain, emphasizing natural rights and government protection.

Natural Rights Theory

The belief that individuals are born with rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) given by their creator, not by the government.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the power to govern is derived from the people.

Social Contract

The agreement where people surrender some power to the government in exchange for protection of their rights.

Factions

Groups of citizens that seek to dominate government to impose their interests, posing a threat to liberty.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of ratifying the Constitution, arguing against Madison's solutions to political faction problems.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison that argues for the protection of liberty against majority tyranny through a republican government.

Brutus No. 1

A paper by Anti-Federalists questioning the effectiveness of the government under the Articles of Confederation and opposing the Constitution.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that failed to provide a strong federal government.