AP Gov Foundational Documents

Declaration of Independence

Justified separation from Britain; natural rights.

Articles of Confederation

Legislative Branch only, need all states to amend, lacked ability to pass legislation quickly or put down uprisings.

Constitution

Framework of U.S. government; separation of powers & federalism.

Federalist No. 10 (Madison)

Factions are inevitable; large republic prevents tyranny.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist; feared centralized power and loss of liberty.

Federalist No. 51 (Madison)

Separation of powers & checks and balances.

Federalist No. 70 (Hamilton)

Strong, single executive needed for energy & accountability.

Federalist No. 78 (Hamilton)

Independent judiciary; power of judicial review.

Letter from Birmingham Jail (MLK)

Just vs. unjust laws; civil disobedience.