Declaration of Independence
Justified why the colonies broke away from Britain
Natural Rights, Consent of Governed, Limited Governments, Social Contract, Popular Sovereignty.
Influenced by John Locke
Articles of Confederation
Too weak of central government, no federal army, hard for legislation, states had too much power, Congress couldn't tax, Unicameral gov.
9/13 states needed to pass laws
US Constitution
Three branches of gov with checks and balances.
Bicameral, relationships between states, Amendment process
Stronger national gov.
Federalist no. 10
Factions are inevitable, but having a strong and large central government allows to mitigate this problem. Large republic allows to address faction by dissolving power. Prevents tyranny of majority. Pluralism; many factions competing leads to better ideas.
Brutus 1
Having a large republic doesn't allow for government to connect with people and central gov has too much power. Necessary and proper clause is a blank check, while state gov will be obsolete, Congress cannot meet local concerns.
Federalist no. 51
Power is divided between three branches of government w/ little control over the other. national/ state gov; House and Senate are divided and elected. Checks and balances, keeps power from being too centralized.
Federalist no. 70
A single executive is needed. Allows for one person to hold the blame.
President needs to be able to act swiftly to address concerns. Rejects a plural executive, and instead argues for a Cabinet.
Federalist no. 78
The least dangerous branch; judicial branch. Argued for lifetime judicial appointments, to prevent corruption. The power of judicial review.
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Justice delayed is justice denied. Freedom isn't voluntarily given, but must be demanded by the oppressed. All people should be treated the same under the 14th Amendment (Equal Protection Clause). Nonviolent direct action seeks to create urgency legislative action.
Article 1
Legislative - bicameral, house and senate details, how a bill becomes a law, enumerated powers and commerce clause; elastic. Denied powers.
Article 2
Presidency, terms, qualifications
Article 3
Judicial system and Supreme Court
Article 4
The sanctity of individual states, full faith and credit clause, rights between states, citizen rights.
Article 5
How the Constitution is amended (proposed by 2/3 both houses or states; ratified by 3/4 states)
Article 6
Supremacy clause
Article 7
Original requirements for ratification (9 states)