Ap Gov Exam Foundational Documents

Fed 10

Advocates for large republics to manage dangers of factions because they contest each other diluting the power of a single faction. Also says smaller governments are easily overwhelmed. So overall, a large republic balances interests and stability compared to small state governments

Brutus 1

A powerful centralized government threatens personal liberties (taxation, elastic clause, military), wants a bill of rights, also says a large republic cannot accurately represent citizens and judicial overreach

Declaration of independence

All individuals have inalienable rights (life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness), gives the philosophical foundation of American democracy, also right to overturn oppressive governments

Articles of Confederation

created a very weak central government and gave states more power, central government cannot tax, no military, no judicial or executive, etc…

Constitution and bill of rights

gave more strength to the central government, creates the three branches of government, also the first 10 amendments of the constitution

Federalist 51

Advocates for separation of government into branches and supports division of congress into senate and house to balance legislative authority, mainly about checks and balances

Federalist 70

Defends a strong single executive to efficiently govern, allows for accountability and decisive action especially during crisis.

Federalist 78

Says judicial branch is the weakest as it lacks the purse and sword but is still needed to uphold the constitution. Lifetime appointments to protect justices from influence

Letter Birmingham Jail

Advocates for civil disobedience against unjust laws violating human rights, criticizes people wanting order over justice, also 14th amendment equal protection clause