US Gov

Federalist No. 10

To argue that a large republic is the best way to control factions and protect against tyranny of the majority. Madison advocates for a strong, large republic to balance competing interests and safeguard individual rights.

Federalist No. 51

To explain how the Constitution's system of checks and balances and separation of powers prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, ensuring liberty and justice.

Articles of Confederation

Served as the first constitution of the United States, providing a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government, ultimately proving ineffective in addressing national issues.

Declaration of Independence

To formally declare the American colonies' separation from Britain, outlining the philosophical justification for independence and listing grievances against King George III.

U.S. Constitution

To establish the framework for the federal government, replacing the Articles of Confederation, and to create a stronger central government with a system of checks and balances to protect individual liberties.

Brutus No. 1

To argue against the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, warning that it would create an overly powerful central government that could threaten individual freedoms and state sovereignty.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

To affirm the supremacy of federal law over state law and to establish that Congress has implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause, validating the constitutionality of the national bank.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

To limit Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, ruling that the Gun-Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress's authority because carrying a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce.