APGOV Foundational Documents Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from lecture notes on foundational documents.

Declaration of Independence

A breakup letter from the American colonists to Britain, asserting their independence and reflecting democratic ideals through appeals to natural rights, the social contract, popular sovereignty, and limited government.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, emphasized state power over federal power, resulting in a weak federal government.

Federalist 10

Promotes the ratification of the Constitution by emphasizing the formation of competing factions in a large and diverse republic, leading to compromise and mutuality.

Brutus I

Argues against the ratification of the Constitution, expressing concerns about the annihilation of state sovereignty and the inability of a distant federal government to respond to citizens.

U.S. Constitution

Establishes limited government, separation of powers, and a republican-style government.

Federalist 51

Argues that the new Constitution provides the best system for the separation of powers and checks and balances, preserving liberty by dividing power among three branches of government and between the federal and state governments.

Federalist 70

Advocates for a single executive rather than a committee, highlighting the advantages of swift action and accountability.

Federalist 78

Focuses on the judicial branch, emphasizing the power of judicial review and the importance of an independent judiciary.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Argues against racial segregation laws, invoking the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment, and supports non-violent civil disobedience to address racial inequalities.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Checks and Balances

A system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.

Separation of Powers

The division of governmental power among different branches, typically legislative, executive, and judicial.

Limited Government

A political system in which legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to review and invalidate laws or governmental actions that are inconsistent with the constitution.