Land -AP Gov: The Nine Foundational
Documents
The Declaration of Independence - Answer the formal statement written by Thomas
Jefferson declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain
The Articles of Confederation - Answer 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.
Federalist No. 10 - Answer 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.
Brutus No. 1 - Answer 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.
Federalist No. 51 - Answer This document highlights the theory and/or practice of checks
and balances between the three branches of government.
The Constitution of the United States - Answer A document that embodies the fundamental
laws, principles and structure of the U.S. government.
Federalist No. 70 - Answer Alexander Hamilton argued the need for an executive branch and
for one main person (the president) to preside over the branch.
Federalist No. 78 - Answer 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.
Letters from a Birmingham Jail - Answer 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.
Documents
The Declaration of Independence - Answer the formal statement written by Thomas
Jefferson declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain
The Articles of Confederation - Answer 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.
Federalist No. 10 - Answer 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.
Brutus No. 1 - Answer 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.
Federalist No. 51 - Answer This document highlights the theory and/or practice of checks
and balances between the three branches of government.
The Constitution of the United States - Answer A document that embodies the fundamental
laws, principles and structure of the U.S. government.
Federalist No. 70 - Answer Alexander Hamilton argued the need for an executive branch and
for one main person (the president) to preside over the branch.
Federalist No. 78 - Answer 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.
Letters from a Birmingham Jail - Answer 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.
