| A | B |
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| Federalist Paper #10 (unit 1) | Madison argues that factions are undesirable, but that the large unified republic created by Constitution will prevent any one faction from controlling the USA; argument in favor of stronger union between states |
| Federalist Paper #51 (unit 1) | Madison argues that federalism (dividing power between states and national government) and separation of powers between 3 branches of government (and checks and balances) will protect the nation from tyranny; argues for checks and balances among the branches |
| Brutus #1 (unit 1) | Anti-Federalist argument that the Constitution will create a national government that is too powerful and will threaten the rights of citizens and states |
| Declaration of Independence (unit 1) | Jefferson argues that all people have the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness; and the right to change their government if it does not protect their rights; social contract theory |
| Articles of Confederation (unit 1) | First constitution of the United States, set up a weak national government, state governments were stronger |
| Constitution (entire course) | Document created by the Founders that established a government with three branches, bicameral legislature, strong executive, and independent judicial branch. Characterized by federalism, representative government, and popular sovereignty. |
| First Amendment (Constitution) | Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition |
| Bill of Rights (Constitution) | First 10 amendments of Constitution that protect civil liberties |
| Letter From a Birmingham Jail (unit 2) | The “Letter” is a response to a public statement of criticism of MLK’s methods of protest and resistance. In defense of a policy of non-violent resistance, King here suggests that one is morally bound to resist unjust laws |
| Federalist Paper #70 (unit 6) | Hamilton argues for a strong president, as provided for by the Constitution, as opposed to the weak executive under the Articles of Confederation. He asserts, “energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks…to the steady administration of the laws, to the protection of property…to justice; [and] to the security of liberty….” |
| Federalist Paper #78 (unit 7) | Hamilton argues that the federal courts have the duty to determine whether acts of Congress are constitutional. Hamilton viewed this as a protection against abuse of power by Congress. Hamilton also argues that courts should only apply the law in court cases; he argues against courts making policy. This is an argument for JUDICIAL RESTRAINT, an against JUDICIAL ACTIVISM. |
| Fourteenth Amendment (Constitution) | Most important amendment; "due process clause" has allowed court to apply Bill of Rights to states (selective incorporation); "equal protection clause" has been used by court to protect civil rights. |
| Article V of Constitution | Explains process of adding amendments: 2/3 of Congress proposes amendments (or 2/3 of states call for a constitutional convention to propose amendments; then 3/4 of states must RATIFY (approve) the amendment to add to Constitution |
| Preamble of Constitution | "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." |
| Article I of the Constitution | Legislative Branch Article: lists the powers of Congress (and House and Senate) such as declare war, regulate interstate commerce, tax, spend, coin money, and the "necessary and proper" clause |
| Article II of the Constitution | Executive Branch Article: lists the powers of the president including commander-in-chief, chief executive officer, foreign policy powers |
| Article III of the Constitution | Judicial Branch Article: describes the Supreme Court and its jurisdiction, life terms for federal judges; Congress gets to create all other federal courts |
| Article IV (4) of the Constitution | States Article: describes how states are guaranteed republican governments, must respect each other's legal proceedings, process for admitting new states |
| Article VI (6) of the Constitution | Federalism Article: describes how the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land; supremacy clause |
