Foundational Documents

Question 1

The Declaration of Independence

Answer 1

Declared Independence from Britain
- All men are created equal
- Natural Rights: Life, Liberty Property
- Government’s job is to protect these rights
- If the government fails, the People have the duty to change/destroy it

Question 2

The Articles of Confederation

Answer 2

Created a confederation of states
- Strong state government and weak central government
- Unicameral legislature (each state got one vote)
- No president, judiciary, standing army, or ability to force taxation

Question 3

The United States Constitution

Answer 3

Outlines the structure and power distribution in government
- Constitution is Supreme Law
- Article 1: Legislative branch
- Article 2: Executive branch
- Article 3: Judicial branch

Question 4

Fed No. 10

Answer 4

A strong, united republic is the best defense against factions
- a large republic will mean many opinions reducing a single oppressive majority

Question 5

Fed No. 51

Answer 5

How the 3 branches will help check and balance each other
- 3 Branches: Executive Legislative, Judicial
- Each branch should be self sufficient but check the others to keep any from taking over
- Legislative branch should be split further (into House and Senate)
- Judicial branch (Supreme Court) judges should be appointed by Presidents and approved by the Senate for life terms
- This style of government will also help protect against factions

Question 6

Fed No. 70

Answer 6

A single energetic executive should be in the executive branch
- President balances out slow-moving Congress
- Quick, decisive action will be needed for national security
- presidential term should be 4 years for stability

Question 7

Fed No. 78

Answer 7

The Judiciary branch is the weakest and necessary to uphold the Constitution
- Independent judiciary will help hold government accountable to Constitution
- Lifetime appointments helps insulate judges from political pressure

Question 8

Brutus No. 1

Answer 8

Antifederalist Essay Against Proposed Constitution
- the federal government is too powerful and will take away peoples’ liberties
- US is too large for a republic
- Congress has too much power (taxation, standing army, taxes, Elastic clause)
- Judicial Authority increases the federal government’s power (tyranny)
- we need a Bill of Rights