ap gov required documents | unit 2

Article 1 Section 8

lists specific powers of Congress, including the power to establish and maintain an army and navy, to establish post offices, to create courts, to regulate commerce between the states, to declare war, and to raise money. It also includes a clause known as the Elastic Clause which allows it to pass any law necessary for the carrying out of the previously listed powers.

Federalist 10

An essay composed by James Madison which argues that liberty is safest in a large republic because many interests (factions) exist. Such diversity makes tyranny by the majority more difficult since ruling coalitions will always be unstable.

Article 2 of the Constitution

Executive Branch

Article 3

Judicial Branch

Federalist 78 (Hamilton)

Judiciary branch isn't too powerful because it doesn't have the power of the purse or sword; can't tax, enforce laws, or bring the nation to war; must be independent

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms.

25th Amendment

Presidential succession

Article 1, Section 7

Procedure in passing bills and resolutions

Federalist 51

Separation of powers & checks & balances protects against tyranny

Federalist 70

US requires a strong, energetic executive; plural executive is dangerous