The Big Three
This document includes the famous line, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
What is the Declaration of Independence?
An essay by James Madison which argues that a large republic is the best way to control the negative effects of factions.
What is Federalist No. 10?
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary," is a key quote from this Madisonian essay on government structure.
What is Federalist No. 51?
The author of Federalist 51.
Who is James Madison
Document serves as the supreme law of the land and outlines the framework of the U.S. federal government.
What is the U.S. Constitution?
Anti-Federalist paper that warned a strong central government would destroy state sovereignty and that a republic could not succeed in a large nation.
What is Brutus No. 1?
Foundational document that contains the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Commerce Clause, which greatly expanded federal power.
What is the U.S. Constitution?
5-word phrase describes Madison’s solution for preventing one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
What is "ambition must counteract ambition"?
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, added to protect individual liberties from government overreach.
What is the Bill of Rights?
In this essay, Madison explains how checks and balances and the separation of powers will prevent any one branch from becoming tyrannical.
What is Federalist No. 51?
This document was the primary target of the Federalist Papers, as Hamilton and Madison sought to replace its "league of friendship."
What is the Articles of Confederation?
Madison argues this system provides a "double security" for the liberties of the people by dividing power across two distinct governments.
What is Federalism?
America’s first governing document, it created a weak central government that lacked the power to tax or raise a national army.
What is the Articles of Confederation?
Alexander Hamilton argued in this essay for a singular executive (one President) to ensure energy, decisiveness, and accountability.
What is Federalist No. 70?
This essay refers to the judicial branch as the "least dangerous branch" because it possesses neither the "sword" nor the "purse."
What is Federalist No. 78?
In Federalist 51, Madison argues this branch is the most dangerous and must be divided to prevent tyranny.
What is the Legislative Branch?
Written from a jail cell, this document argues that people have a moral responsibility to break unjust laws and take direct action for civil rights.
What is Letter from Birmingham Jail?
This essay argues that the federal judiciary must be independent and serves as the foundation for the concept of judicial review.
What is Federalist No. 78?
The "Auxiliary Precautions" discussed by Madison in Federalist No. 51 refer to this system.
What are checks and balances?
Which specific Federalist Paper was written to address concerns about the lack of a Bill of Rights, arguing that the Constitution itself was a bill of rights?
What is Federalist No. 84?
N.B. While often grouped under the "Federalist Papers" generally, No. 84 is the specific document for this argument