AP Government: Federalist Papers

What is the main theme of Federalist No. 10?

• Judicial Review & Life Terms

• Factions & Pluralism

• Strong Executive Leadership

• Civil Rights & Nonviolent Protest

Answer explanation

The main theme of Federalist No. 10 is about factions and pluralism. It discusses how a large republic can mitigate the negative effects of factions, promoting a balance of interests and preventing any single group from dominating.

Which document states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"?

• The U.S. Constitution

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

• Letter from Birmingham Jail

Answer explanation

The phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal" is found in the Declaration of Independence, which articulates the foundational principles of equality and rights in the United States.

Which Federalist Paper argues for the necessity of a strong executive branch?

• Federalist No. 51

• Federalist No. 70

• Federalist No. 78

• Federalist No. 10

Answer explanation

Federalist No. 70, written by Alexander Hamilton, argues for a strong executive branch, emphasizing the need for energy and decisiveness in leadership to ensure effective governance.

What is the key theme of Brutus No. 1?

• Fear of Centralized Power

• Natural Rights & Revolution

• Separation of Powers & Checks and Balances

• Weak National Government & States’ Rights

Answer explanation

Brutus No. 1 emphasizes the dangers of a strong central government, arguing that it could lead to tyranny. The fear of centralized power is a central theme, highlighting the need for a government that respects states' rights.

Which document includes the phrase, "Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence"?

• The U.S. Constitution

• Articles of Confederation

• Federalist No. 51

• Declaration of Independence

Answer explanation

The phrase "Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence" is found in the Articles of Confederation, which emphasized the autonomy of states before the stronger federal system was established by the U.S. Constitution.

The Federalist Paper that discusses the importance of separation of powers is (a)  

• Federalist No. 10
• Federalist No. 51
• Federalist No. 70
• Federalist No. 78

Answer explanation

Federalist No. 51 emphasizes the necessity of separation of powers to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, ensuring a system of checks and balances.

The document associated with the theme of "Civil Rights & Nonviolent Protest" is (a)  

• Federalist No. 78
• Letter from Birmingham Jail
• Brutus No. 1
• Federalist No. 10

Answer explanation

The "Letter from Birmingham Jail" is a key document in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for nonviolent protest against racial injustice, making it the correct choice for the theme of "Civil Rights & Nonviolent Protest."

Match the following documents with their purposes.

• Discusses the structure of government and checks and balances

• Federalist No. 51

• Announces the American colonies' separation from Britain

• The U.S. Constitution

• Gives Congress the power to lay and collect taxes

• Articles of Confederation

• First governing document of the United States

• Declaration of Independence

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, specifically in Article I, Section 8. The Articles of Confederation did not provide this power, making the Constitution the correct choice.

Which Federalist Paper argues that the judiciary will always be the least dangerous to political rights?

• Federalist No. 10

• Federalist No. 51

• Federalist No. 70

• Federalist No. 78

Answer explanation

Federalist No. 78, written by Alexander Hamilton, argues that the judiciary is the least dangerous branch of government because it has no influence over the sword or the purse, thus protecting political rights effectively.

The document associated with the theme of "Weak National Government & States’ Rights" is (a)  

• Federalist No. 10
• Articles of Confederation
• The U.S. Constitution
• Brutus No. 1

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation exemplify the theme of 'Weak National Government & States’ Rights' as they established a loose alliance of states with limited federal authority, leading to challenges in governance.