Required Foundational Documents

Flashcard deck · A.P. U.S. Government · Required Foundational Documents · History

Covers all ten AP U.S. Government required documents, including the Articles of Confederation, Brutus No. 1, four Federalist Papers, and Letter from Birmingham Jail.

Terms in this deck

Articles of Confederation (1781)

America's first constitution creating a weak central government with no power to tax or enforce laws, ultimately replaced due to its ineffectiveness.

Brutus No. 1 (1787)

An Anti-Federalist essay arguing the proposed Constitution gave too much power to the national government, threatening state sovereignty and individual liberties.

Constitution of the United States (1787)

The supreme law of the land establishing three branches of government, separation of powers, and a federal system balancing national and state authority.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Drafted by Jefferson, this document declared colonial separation from Britain and established natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as government's foundation.

Federalist No. 10 (Madison)

Madison argued that a large republic with many factions prevents any single group from dominating government, making representative democracy superior to pure democracy.

Federalist No. 51 (Madison)

Madison explained how separation of powers and checks and balances prevent tyranny by making each branch of government a check on the others.

Federalist No. 70 (Hamilton)

Hamilton argued for a single, energetic executive branch, claiming one president ensures accountability, decisiveness, and effective enforcement of laws.

Federalist No. 78 (Hamilton)

Hamilton defended judicial review and lifetime tenure for federal judges, arguing an independent judiciary is essential to protecting constitutional rights.

Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. defended nonviolent civil disobedience, arguing citizens have a moral duty to resist unjust laws peacefully and urgently.

The Bill of Rights (1791)

The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual freedoms including speech, religion, and due process while limiting federal government power over citizens.

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