AP US Government Foundational Documents

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Core ideas:

• Government is based on popular sovereignty — power comes from the people.

• People have natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness).

• If government violates those rights, the people can alter or abolish it (social contract theory).

• Justifies breaking away from Britain.

Articles of Confederation (1781)

Core ideas:

• Created a weak national government with most power in the states.

• Congress could not tax, regulate commerce, or raise a strong military.

• Showed the need for a stronger central government, leading to the Constitution.

U.S. Constitution (1787)

Core ideas:

• Establishes the structure of the federal government (legislative, executive, judicial).

• Creates a stronger national government than the Articles.

• Includes separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.

• The Bill of Rights protects individual liberties.

Federalist No. 10 (1787) — James Madison

Core ideas:

• Factions (interest groups) are inevitable but dangerous.

• A large republic is the best way to control factions because it dilutes their influence.

• More diversity = less chance one faction dominates.

5. Brutus No. 1 (1787) — Anti‑Federalist

Core ideas:

• Argues the Constitution gives the federal government too much power.

• A large republic cannot represent the people well.

• Warns that the national government will overpower the states.

• Prefers a small, decentralized republic.

Federalist No. 51 (1788) — James Madison

Core ideas:

• Separation of powers and checks and balances are essential to prevent tyranny.

• “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.”

• Each branch should be independent but able to limit the others.

Federalist No. 70 (1788) — Alexander Hamilton

Core ideas:

• Supports a single, energetic executive (one president).

• A single leader provides accountability, quick action, and strong leadership.

• Multiple executives would cause conflict and confusion.

Federalist No. 78 (1788) — Alexander Hamilton

Core ideas:

• Advocates for an independent judiciary.

• Courts must protect the Constitution and individual rights.

• Introduces the idea of judicial review (courts can strike down unconstitutional laws).

• Judiciary is the “least dangerous branch” because it has neither force nor will.

Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963) — Martin Luther King Jr.

Core ideas:

• Individuals have a moral obligation to break unjust laws.

• nonviolent direct action to create tension and force negotiation.

• Criticizes white moderates for preferring “order” over justice.

• Argues that waiting for change only prolongs injustice.