AP Gov: The Nine Foundational Documents

The Constitution of the United States

A document that embodies the fundamental laws, principles and structure of the U.S. government.

Federalist No. 10

James Madison states that one of the strongest arguments in favor of the Constitution is the fact that it establishes a government capable of controlling the violence and damage caused by factions.

Federalist No. 51

This document highlights the theory and/or practice of checks and balances between the three branches of government.

Brutus No. 1

Brutus considered whether or not the thirteen states should be reduced to one republic as the Federalists proposed. After examining various clauses in the Constitution, he determined that this would essentially create a federal government that will "possess absolute and uncontrollable power. He believed the necessary and proper clause along with the supremacy clause will render the states to be powerless.

Letters from a Birmingham Jail

The most prominent themes in this letter are justice, Christianity, civil disobedience, and freedom. King employs the rhetorical devices of ethos, logos, and pathos as he argues that denying justice to one person threatens justice for everyone.

Federalist No. 78

The potential power of judicial review is explained. It argues that the federal courts have the duty to determine whether acts of Congress are constitutional and to follow the Constitution when there is inconsistency. Hamilton viewed this as a protection against abuse of power by Congress.

Federalist No. 70

Alexander Hamilton argued the need for an executive branch and for one main person (the president) to preside over the branch.

The Articles of Confederation

the first written constitution of the United States. Stemming from wartime urgency, its progress was slowed by fears of central authority and extensive land claims by states before was it was ratified on March 1, 1781. Under these articles, the states remained sovereign and independent, with Congress serving as the last resort on appeal of disputes.

The Declaration of Independence

the formal statement written by Thomas Jefferson declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain