AP Government Required Documents

The Declaration of Independence

a document declaring U.S. independence from Britain and explaining reasoning for the change

The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union

The first governing document, made the U.S. a confederation where the power was to the states

Brutus No. 1

argued against the constitution, said that the government cannot be centralized bc it is covering too large of a space

Federalist No. 10

argued that factions were not a concern with the constitution, crab bucket theory

Federalist No. 51

explained and argued for checks and balances

Federalist No. 70

the executive must have “good vibes” to work well

Federalist No. 78

explains the importance of an independent judicial branch

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

letter from MLK Jr. describing the purpose/tactics of civil rights movement, need for change on fair vs unfair laws, described civil rights movements vs black nationalism

The Constitution of the United States

Framework of the national Government that overtook the Articles of Confederation

Constitution Article 1

Created a bicameral legislature

Specified powers of the House, Senate, and States

Specified powers denied to Congress

Outlined elections of House and Senate

Allows chambers to determine their proceedings

Constitution Article 2

Defines 4 year term

Outlines President/Vice President elections

Outlines age & residency requirements for president

Identifies powers of the President

Constitution Article 3

Establishes a Supreme Court

Allows for lower courts

Gives federal judges life-long terms

Outlines federal jurisdiction

Identifies limited number of original jurisdiction federal cases

Constitution Article 4

States must…

Recognize other state’s laws, acts, records, and judicial proceedings

Not discriminate against other state’s citizens

Move criminals to the state of their crime

Constitution Article 5

Amendments proposed by…

2/3 Congress or 2/3 National Convention

Amendments ratified by…

¾ vote of state legislatures or ¾ vote of state conventions

Constitution Article 6

Federal laws are supreme

Debt from the Confederation is absorbed by the federal government

Lawmakers must affirm support to Constitution

Religious tests are prohibited

Constitution Article 9

Approve by 9/13 of the states was required to ratify the Constitution

1st Amendment

Freedom of speech, religion, press and assembly

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms

3rd Amendment

No quartered soldiers

4th Amendment

Bans unreasonable searches & guarantees right to privacy

5th Amendment

Jury must find case worthy of persecution

6th Amendment

Speedy and public trial, right to a witness

7th Amendment

All cases can request trial by jury

8th Amendment

No excessive bail or cruel an unusual punishment

9th Amendment

People still have rights even if they are not directly stated by the Constitution

10th Amendment

The rights not given to the Federal or State Governments are given to the people

Schenck v. US

Clear and present danger for limiting freedom of speech

McDonald v. Chicago

Incorporated 2nd Amendment to states

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Allowed unlimited spending in certain cases from business on elections