Foundations of American Liberty

Intro

The Declaration of Independence (1776): Primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, this document focuses on natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness), the social contract, and popular sovereignty.

Verse

The Articles of Confederation (1781): The first U.S. constitution that created a weak national government and a loose confederation of states, later replaced for being ineffective.

Break

The U.S. Constitution (1787): Includes the Preamble, Articles, and the Bill of Rights (1791), establishing the federal government, separation of powers, and checks and balances.

Chorus

Federalist No. 10 (1787): James Madison argues that a large republic is the best way to control the "mischiefs of faction".

Brutus No. 1 (1787): An Anti-Federalist essay arguing that a small republic is necessary to protect individual liberty and that a large national government will become tyrannical.

Break

Federalist No. 51 (1788): James Madison explains how the structure of the new government (separation of powers, checks and balances) protects liberty.

Federalist No. 70 (1788): Alexander Hamilton argues for a single, "energetic" executive (president) rather than an executive council.

Federalist No. 78 (1788): Alexander Hamilton discusses the power of judicial review, arguing that the judiciary is the least dangerous branch and needs independence.

Outro

Letter from a Birmingham Jail (1963): Martin Luther King Jr. argues that individuals have a moral duty to break unjust laws through nonviolent direct action, furthering civil rights