Foundational Documents To Know for AP AP Gov

Federalist 10

Written by James Madison, it argues for a large republic to manage factions and protect minority rights.

Brutus I

An Anti-Federalist paper warning against the dangers of a powerful federal government.

Declaration of Independence

Document asserting inalienable rights and justifying revolution against oppressive governments.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S., creating a weak central government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties.

Federalist 51

Written by James Madison, it advocates for checks and balances and separation of powers.

Federalist 70

Written by Alexander Hamilton, it defends a strong single executive for effective governance.

Federalist 78

Describes the Judiciary as the least dangerous branch with the importance of judicial independence.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Case that established judicial review, empowering the judiciary to overturn unconstitutional laws.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Affirmed federal supremacy and the use of implied powers under the Elastic Clause.

Schenck v. US (1919)

Established the 'clear and present danger' test, limiting free speech during wartime.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Declared racially segregated schools unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause.

Baker v. Carr (1961)

Enabled federal courts to intervene in state legislative apportionment cases.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Prohibited school-sponsored prayer, reinforcing the separation of church and state.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Guaranteed the right to legal counsel in criminal cases, even for those unable to afford an attorney.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Protected student free speech in schools, allowing symbolic speech as long as it does not disrupt.

New York Times Co. v. US (1971)

Strengthened freedom of the press, ruling that prior restraint is unconstitutional.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Prioritized religious freedom over compulsory school attendance laws in certain cases.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Legalized abortion by recognizing a woman's right to privacy in terminating her pregnancy.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Addressed racial gerrymandering, establishing strict scrutiny for race-based redistricting.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Limited federal power under the Commerce Clause regarding non-economic activities.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Expanded corporate political spending rights, treating political spending as free speech.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Incorporated the Second Amendment to the states, protecting the right to bear arms.

Majoritarian Tyranny

The risk that a majority faction may infringe on the rights of minority groups.

Separation of Powers

Dividing government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that no single branch of government dominates the others.

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

Allows Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers.