America's independence was not only declared through acts like tea-dumping but through significant documents.
These texts illustrate key tensions in American political thought: liberty vs. order, federal power vs. state sovereignty, and majoritarianism vs. minority rights.
Declaration of Independence (1776)
Context & Purpose
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
Influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke.
Declared 13 colonies' independence from Britain.
Core Ideas
Natural Rights: Rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Social Contract: Government derives power from the consent of the governed.
Grievances: Lists abuses by King George III.
Significance
Ideological foundation of American democracy.
Justified rebellion as a duty against tyranny.
Inspired global revolutionary movements.
Articles of Confederation (1781-1789)
Context
First U.S. constitution, reflecting fear of centralized power.
Structure
Unicameral Congress with no executive or judicial branch.
Each state had one vote; amendments required unanimous approval.
Powers and Weaknesses
Powers: Declare war, make treaties, borrow money, maintain an army/navy.
Weaknesses: No power to tax, regulate commerce, enforce laws, or draft soldiers; required 9/13 states for major legislation.
Collapse Reasons
Economic chaos, inability to respond to uprisings like Shays Rebellion, foreign policy failures.
Exposed need for a stronger federal government, leading to the Constitutional Convention 1787.
Federalist No. 10 (1787) - James Madison
Core Ideas
Factions are inevitable in a free society and are dangerous.
Solutions
Control the effects of factions through a large republic and representative democracy.
Legacy
Justifies pluralism and a large federal system.
Supports federalism and bicameral legislature.
Federalist No. 51 (1788) - James Madison
Problem and Solution
Problem: Prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Solution: Separation of powers and checks and balances, with power split between state and national governments.
Federalist No. 70 (1788) - Alexander Hamilton
Core Argument
Advocates for a single, energetic executive.
Reasons
Unity leads to accountability; speed and secrecy in national defense.
Federalist No. 78 (1788) - Alexander Hamilton
Purpose
Defends the judiciary and judicial review as the Constitution's protector.
Key Points
Judiciary is the least dangerous branch; judges should serve for life.
Brutus No. 1 (1787) - Anti-Federalist Argument
Concerns
Constitution gives too much power to the federal government.
Fears of corruption and loss of liberty in a large republic.
Vision
Advocates for decentralized government.
U.S. Constitution (1787)
Structure
Replaced Articles; established a robust federal system with three branches.
Principles
Popular sovereignty, limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers.
The Bill of Rights (1791)
First 10 amendments protecting individual rights.
Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963) - Martin Luther King Jr.
Context
Written during imprisonment for civil rights protest.
Core Arguments
Injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere.
Justifies civil disobedience against unjust laws.
Relevance
Connects to natural rights and social contract theory.
Summary Table of Required Documents
Provides a snapshot of each document, its author, main ideas, and relevant AP Gov themes.
Final Thoughts
These documents continue to influence U.S. governance and civil rights movements, illustrating democracy in motion.