AP US Government and Politics: The Foundational Documents

The AP US Government and Politics test requires strong knowledge of nine documents considered to be foundational to American government. These videos focus on in-depth study and discussion of those nine documents. Each class addresses one or two documents and examines their background, their message, and the impact each has had on American history and government. In addition, the class looks at how these documents might be used on the AP exam to increase confidence preparing for the test.

This course occurred in the summer of 2021 and is provided for viewing purposes only. No certificate will be awarded for watching the videos.

Intended Audience

This class was for high school students (grades 9–12). 

Classes

Class 1

CLASS RECORDING from Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 4:00 p.m. ET

The Declaration of Independence

Class 2

CLASS RECORDING from Wednesday, July 7, 2021, 4:00 p.m. ET

The Articles of Confederation

Class 3

CLASS RECORDING from July 21, 2021, 4:00 p.m. ET

The US Constitution

Class 4

CLASS RECORDING from Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 4:00 p.m. ET

Brutus I v. Federalist 10

Class 5

CLASS RECORDING from Wednesday, August 4, 2021, 4:00 p.m. ET

Federalist 51, 70, 78

Class 6

CLASS RECORDING from Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 4:00 p.m. ET

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Note: The course did not meet on Wednesday, July 14.

Meet Your Teacher

Kevin Cline teaches United States history and government at Frankton High School in Frankton, Indiana. In 2016 he was named the National History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Mr. Cline serves as a Master Teacher for the Gilder Lehrman Institute and does work for the National Center for History Education and the National History Club. Mr. Cline’s passions in teaching include fostering active citizenship and lifting up student voices.

Please email historyschool@gilderlehrman.org with any questions.