You are responsible to know 9 foundational documents. These are documents that are vital to explaining key concepts involved in American government. For each you should know the author, the key points it includes, and how the document relates to key concepts in American government that were discussed throughout the year.
This document was written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson and explains the reasons why the colonies are separating from the British government.
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The Articles of Confederation was the first independent government in our country's history, put into place after our independence from England. This document created a weak national government and gave most of the power to the states. It lasted from 1777 to 1787.
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This document was written in 1787 to replace the Articles of Confederation system. In a reversal from what the Articles system established, the Constitution created a strong centeral government with power separated between three distinct branches.
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This document was written in 1787 by James Madison. It is one of the Federalist Papers that attempt to persuade people to support the new Constitution. This document attempts to explain why democracy will be certain to work in a large territory like the United States. This document talks alot about "FACTIONS"!
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This document was written in 1787 by an Anti-Federalist, assumed to be Robert Yates. The purpose of this document is to try and alert people to the dangers of the proposed Constitution. Yates highlights key sections of the Constitution that are of concern to him and he also argues why this type of government will be unable to work in a large territory like the United States (the opposite of what Madison wrote in Federalist 10).
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This document was written in 1787 by James Madison. It is one of the Federalist Papers that attempts to win over support for the newly proposed Constitution. The focus of this document are the features included within the new Constitution that will prevent the future abuse of power by rulers.
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This document was written in 1787 by Alexander Hamilton. Many critics of the newly proposed Constitution were worried about the creation of an Executive Branch with power concentrated in the hands of a single person. The purpose of this document was to show the benefits of creating a singular, powerful President.
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This document was written in 1787 by Alexander Hamilton. It's purpose was to provide an overview of the judicial branch that was proposed by the Constitution.
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This document was written in 1963 by Martin Luther King Jr. It details the nonviolent protest campaign that was being orchestrated in Birmingham, Alabama. The letter primarily targets moderates and clergy members. It attempts to answer those individuals that had been critical of Dr. King's tactics. In my humble opinion this is one of the most poweful essays ever written and should be required reading for all high school students!
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