AP government: the required documents

Declaration of Independence

the document recording the proclamation of the second Continental Congress (4 July 1776) asserting the independence of the colonies from Great Britain.

The Articles of Confederation

First Constitution failed; no ability to tax; no President or Executive; no central government as each state maintained sovereignty; One vote per state in Congress; all states to change the doc.

The US constitution

Popular Sovereignty; Federalism; Checks and balances; separation of powers; republicanism; No mention of judicial review for courts; bill of rights not an original part.

Federlist No. 10 (1787)

Mischiefs of factions can not be eliminated; but curbed; representative and pluralist democracy; factions would neutralize each other; republic > democracy in large nation

Brutus No. 1 (1787)

Constitution threatens states; necessary and proper clause and supremacy clause are both too expensive; country too large to elect a group to represent everyone; country too diverse as it is; 13 states cannot be 1.

Federalist No 51 (1788)

Separation of powers guards against tyranny; bicameral legislature elected differently with different powers ensures branch doesn't dominate; checks and balances should cause branches to complete with one another.

Federalist No 70 (1788)

One person executive ensures unity and accountability; energetic person; need to place blame on ONE person is easier than the blame game a group might cause

Federalist No 78 (1788)

Judicial branch is being independent is essential to securing liberties; serving for life w/ good behavior ensures a judicial branch free from legislative interference and politics; assumes judicial review is coming

Letter from a Birmingham Jail by MLK (1963)

Dr. King's response to "A Call For Unity," a letter penned by Southern White clergy; Social movements expand civil rights; NONVIOLENT direct action as a final means; postponed until after election to not bias the result or taint the movement as a mere political stunt