Declaration of Independence: all men are created equal, rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, colonists complained British were too tyrannical, Articles of Confederation: first Constitution/govt of US, national gov't weak; failed due to states holding most power, Shay's rebellion led to it's end, The Constitution: Includes a preamble (intro) with "We the People", creates a strong central government w/ 3 branches, includes specific powers of 3 branches, amendment process, etc.  , Federalist 10: large republic like one created by Constitution best controls factions, reps "refine and enlarge" public views by representing multiple factions, no one faction (interest group) can get control and violate rights, Brutus 1: small republics best, large central government will become tyrannical; states will not be needed, large republic bad: Won't know people, so abuse power, Federalist 51: separation of powers needed to prevent abusive government, If men we angels, no gov needed, Argues for check and balances and federalism as ways to prevent abusive government, Federalist 70: Single executive is best; more accountable to the people, executive needs to act quick, secret, protect property, multiple executives leads to weak govt and division, Federalist 78: judiciary, judges should have life tenure-- good for experience, independence, and protects from politics, judiciary has the power to “void” laws that are against the Constitution,

Foundational Documents: Main Arguments

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