AP Gov Documents Flashcards
Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson, officially proclaimed that United States was an independent country from Great Britain. After Great Britain had oppressed the rights of colonists while also giving them no representation to advocate for themselves. Established that People have natural rights that a central government should not violate or abuse. It is the right and obligation of the people to overthrow their government and replace it when it has been unfair or ineffective.
Articles of Confederation
Created a loose confederation of states, each with a single vote, and a weak central Congress. Congress did not have the power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce. Congress did not have the ability to enforce tax collections from the states. Congress did not have a central executive or judicial branch. Congress did not have a central standing army, states had their own militias
U.S. Constitution
Preamble: Establishes the purpose of the Constitution to provide order in order to protect liberty in the United States Government.
Federalist 10
Written by James Madison, the dangers of factions to a Democracy. Groups will naturally divide themselves into “factions” that represent common interests and political goals. Factions are always tempted to protect their own interests, especially when it comes to unequal property (money), and will often abuse the rights of other factions. These abuses are often caused by majority groups suppressing minority groups. These abuses show up in small and regional government units, since minorities are easily abused in such settings. A larger and nationally oriented government can function as a counterbalance to regional abuses and therefore protect all groups.
Federalist 51
Written by James Madison, ways to control the powers of a strong central government branches of government, and checks and balances. A centralized government must have powers to function, but there must be ways to control those in power and limit the possibilities of tyranny. Branches of government must have independent powers to complete their tasks (Separation of Powers). Branches must have clear duties that are specifically defined and limited (Limited Government). Branches should have ways to check the powers of other branches (Checks & Balances).
Brutus 1
States have too many diverse issues to give power to a strong central government. The Constitution will lead to the destruction of state authority. The country is too large for a single, centralized government. Regional differences and priorities will be lost. A country this large cannot sustain a functioning republic without giving up regional powers.
Federalist 70
The important characteristics of a President (a single person who is energetic) The executive is critical as a counter-balance to the legislative powers. For accountability and efficient decisions, the executive should be a singular person (not plural) There should be significant energy in the executive branch.
Federalist 78
Written by James Madison, the vital role of an independent Judiciary in US government. This independent federal judiciary is necessary to solve national disputes. Worries over an excessively powerful judiciary are muted by a lack of power over money, creation of the scope of its powers by others, and the possibilities of the removal of judges. Courts should be protected from political influence and remain passive, receiving cases as they come not seeking them out
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Written my Martin Luther King Jr. why civil disobedience of an unjust law is a moral obligation. Where there is injustice, it is the duty of those with the ability to resist. Direct action to stop injustice is done in a non-violent manner. All US citizens should stand for justice and equality. Prior efforts at reducing discrimination have all failed and the suppressed community must now turn to protests
