AP Gov Foundational Documents

AP Government Foundational Documents flashcards for exam review.

Declaration of Independence

Breakup letter to King George III written by Jefferson outlining natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the right to revolt, setting the philosophical foundation of American democracy.

Articles of Confederation

America's first constitution featuring strong state powers, a weak national government, and no tax/military, ultimately showing the dangers of a too-weak federal government.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the U.S., replacing the Articles, and establishing separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and a Bill of Rights to structure the government and protect rights.

Federalist No. 10

Essay by Madison defending the Constitution by addressing factions arguing that they are inevitable but are better controlled in large republics.

Federalist No. 51

Argument by Madison for checks and balances and separation of powers to protect liberty by dividing power.

Federalist No. 70

Argument by Hamilton for a strong, single executive (president) due to energy, accountability, decisive action which laid the case for the powerful presidency we have today.

Federalist No. 78

Argument by Hamilton defending the independent judiciary and set the groundwork for judicial power.

Brutus No. 1

Rebuttal to the Constitution (Anti-Federalist) warning against big government which ultimately influenced the push for the Bill of Rights.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

MLK’s defense of civil disobedience stating that 'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere', and that there is a moral duty to resist unjust laws ultimately to justify nonviolent protest and push for equal rights.