documents to know ap gov

1. Declaration of Independence

• Argued for: Natural rights, popular sovereignty, justification for breaking from Britain.

2. Articles of Confederation

• Argued for: A weak central government, strong state sovereignty.

3. U.S. Constitution

• Argued for: Stronger central government with checks and balances, federalism.

4. Federalist No. 10

• Argued for: A large republic to control factions and protect minority rights.

5. Federalist No. 51

• Argued for: Separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

6. Federalist No. 70

• Argued for: A single energetic executive (President) for effective governance.

7. Federalist No. 78

• Argued for: An independent judiciary and judicial review.

8. Brutus No. 1

• Argued for: Opposing a strong central government; favored small republics and state power.

9. Letter from Birmingham Jail

• Argued for: Civil disobedience against unjust laws; demanded fulfillment of constitutional rights.

10. Bill of Rights (Amendments 1–10)

• Argued for: Individual liberties and protections from federal government abuse.