Foundational Documents

Question 1

Declaration of Independence: Summary

Answer 1

Talks about how a democratic gov is created through 5 democratic ideals, natural rights, limited government, republicanism, social contract, and popular sovereignty

Question 2

Articles of Confederation: Summary

Answer 2

This was proof for the need of a strong federal gov due to their failures with stronger state govs

Question 3

Brutus 1: Summary

Answer 3

Argues for the need of a weaker federal gov and stronger state govs

Question 4

Federalist 10: Summary

Answer 4

Argues for the need of a strong federal gov due to the large republic of the U.S.. creating factions

Question 5

Federalist 51: Summary

Answer 5

Argues for the federal gov to have safeguards/safety measures (aka limited gov)

Question 6

Federalist 70: Summary

Answer 6

Argues for the need of a strong executive

Question 7

Federalist 78: Summary

Answer 7

Argues for the need of an independent judiciary

Question 8

Declaration of Independence: 2 Main Points

Answer 8

1: Ensures the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness though natural rights

2: The people have the “right to revolution: if it’s necessary due to corrupt gov or other issues (through social contract)

Question 9

Articles of Confederation: 2 Main Points

Answer 9

1: They didn’t have a federal military, each state had their own troops

2: They couldn’t charge taxes against the states

Question 10

Brutus 1: 2 Main Points

Answer 10

1: With strong state govs, the gov could easily hear the issues/wants of the people

2: Feared Constitutions, “absolute and uncontrolled power” - N+P & Supremacy Clause

Question 11

Federalist 10: 2 Main Points

Answer 11

1: A representative gov should have more people be able to elect their officials through the federal gov

2: With a large federal gov, the gov will be able to control the factions throughout the country

Question 12

Federalist 51: 2 Main Points

Answer 12

1: Separation of powers - power of central gov is divided to ensure all power is separated evenly

2: Checks and Balances - each branch has the ability to check and balance out other branches decisions

Question 13

Federalist 70: 2 Main Points

Answer 13

1: Strong leaders are able to carry out the office with their strong gov

2: Single (unitary) executive leaders can be held accountable for their actions

Question 14

Federalist 78: 2 Main Points

Answer 14

1: Life terms - so that the people’s political opinion couldn’t have an affect

2: Independent Judiciary needs to keep congress and president more limited with Judicial Review 2