15–22% of the AP exam. Key topics: Constitutional Convention and the Philadelphia debates, Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, Separation of powers and checks and balances, Federalism: enumerated, implied, reserved, and concurrent powers, Supremacy Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause, Enlightenment influences on the Founders (Locke, Montesquieu), Constitutional amendments: Article V amendment process, Key amendments (1st–10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 26th), Natural rights and popular sovereignty (Declaration of Independence), Brutus No. 1 critique of centralized power, Federalist No. 10: factions and the extended republic, Federalist No. 51: ambition counteracting ambition, McCulloch v. Maryland: implied powers and federal supremacy, Required foundational documents: Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Federalist Nos. 10 and 51, Brutus No. 1.
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