Required Documents Quiz April 23rd

Declaration of Independence: Announced the American colonies' separation from British rule in 1776, emphasizing individual rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the United States that established a weak federal government, which ultimately proved inadequate and led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Brutus 1: An Anti-Federalist paper arguing that the Constitution would create a central government too powerful and distant from the people, threatening individual liberties and state sovereignty.

Federalist 10: Written by James Madison, this paper discusses the dangers of factions and advocates for a large republic to help control them while protecting minority rights.

Federalist 51: Also authored by Madison, it emphasizes the necessity of checks and balances and separation of powers within government structures to preserve liberty.

Federalist 70: Alexander Hamilton argues for a strong, energetic executive, asserting that a single president is essential for effective governance.

Federalist 78: Hamilton discusses the judiciary's independence and its power of judicial review as vital for guarding the Constitution against legislative overreach.

Constitution of the United States and Bill of Rights: The Constitution established the framework for the U.S. government, with the Bill of Rights protecting individual liberties, limiting government power, and addressing civil rights in subsequent amendments.

Letter from Birmingham Jail: In this letter, Martin Luther King Jr. responds to criticism of nonviolent protests, defending civil disobedience against unjust laws and emphasizing the moral responsibility to combat racial injustice.