AP Gov

Brutus Papers

A series of essays by Brutus arguing against a strong central government in the U.S. Constitution.

Individual Liberties

Rights and freedoms that Brutus believed would be eroded by a strong central government.

State Sovereignty

The authority of states to govern themselves, which Brutus argued would be diminished under a strong federal government.

Disconnect

Brutus's concern that a large republic would create a gap between representatives and their constituents.

Ineffective Policymaking

The result of representatives being unable to address the diverse needs of their constituents, as argued by Brutus.

Centralized Government

Brutus feared this would be distant and unresponsive to local needs and challenges.

Bureaucratic System

A complex government structure that could become detached from grassroots issues, according to Brutus.

Local Governance

Brutus emphasized its importance for maintaining close ties between representatives and constituents.

Federal Power

The authority of the national government, which Brutus cautioned could lead to the consolidation of power at the expense of states.

Commerce Clause

A provision in the Constitution granting Congress the power to regulate commerce, impacting federal authority.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Also known as the Elastic Clause, it allows Congress to make laws necessary for executing its powers.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal law is the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize the public acts and judicial proceedings of other states.

National Sovereignty

The ultimate authority of a state to govern itself without external interference.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual liberties and limit federal power.

Articles of the Constitution

Seven sections outlining the structure and functions of the U.S. government.

Implied Powers Doctrine

The principle that the federal government has powers beyond those explicitly stated in the Constitution.

McCulloch v Maryland

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principles of implied powers and federal supremacy.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments.