Foundational Documents To Know for AP AP Gov (copy)

A Brilliant Solution

A book by Carol Berkin that explores post-revolutionary America and the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

Federalist 10

Written by James Madison, it advocates for a large republic to manage factions and protect minority rights.

Brutus I

An Anti-Federalist response cautioning against the Constitution, arguing it risks tyranny and calls for a Bill of Rights.

Declaration of Independence

A document asserting inalienable rights and justifying revolution against oppressive governments.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S., creating a weak central government and highlighting the need for a stronger federal system.

Constitution and Bill of Rights

Establish the U.S. federal government's structure, with checks and balances and guaranteed individual liberties.

Federalist 51

Written by James Madison, it advocates for separation of powers to prevent government overreach.

Federalist 70

An essay by Alexander Hamilton defending the necessity of a strong executive for efficient governance.

Federalist 78

A work by Alexander Hamilton describing the independent judiciary and its role in checking government power.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

An open letter by Martin Luther King Jr. advocating for civil disobedience against unjust laws.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

The case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

This case reinforced federal supremacy and affirmed implied powers under the Elastic Clause.

Schenck v. US (1919)

A Supreme Court decision that limited free speech during wartime with the ‘clear and present danger’ test.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

A landmark Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Baker v. Carr (1961)

A ruling that allowed federal courts to intervene in state redistricting cases, asserting the ‘one person, one vote’ principle.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

The Supreme Court case prohibiting school-sponsored prayer, reinforcing the separation of church and state.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

This case guaranteed the right to legal counsel for defendants in state courts.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

A decision that protected student free speech in schools, provided it does not cause disruption.

New York Times Co. v. US (1971)

A ruling that strengthened freedom of the press by confirming that prior restraint is unconstitutional.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

A case that prioritized religious freedom over state laws on compulsory education.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

This landmark decision legalized abortion, recognizing a woman's right to privacy.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

A Supreme Court case addressing racial gerrymandering and requiring strict scrutiny in redistricting.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

A ruling that limited federal power under the Commerce Clause regarding non-economic activities.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

This case expanded corporate rights to political spending, equating it to free speech under the First Amendment.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

A Supreme Court decision that incorporated the Second Amendment to the states, protecting the right to bear arms.