Documents
This document declared that people possess natural rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Declaration of Independence
This document created America's first national government but established a weak central government.
Articles of Confederation
A state bans handguns entirely within city limits. Which required Supreme Court case would provide the strongest constitutional challenge?
McDonald v. Chicago
(1) Which Supreme Court case established the principle that courts can declare government actions unconstitutional? (2) What is this called?
(1) Marbury v. Madison
(2) Judicial Review
Which Supreme Court case significantly expanded the role of money in elections by treating political spending as protected speech?
Citizens United v. FEC
This Anti-Federalist document warned that the Constitution created a national government that was too powerful.
Brutus No. 1
This Federalist Paper argued that a large republic would better control the effects of factions.
Federalist No. 10
What is included in Article 1, 2, and 3 of the US Constitution?
Article 1 = establishes Legislative
Article 2 = establishes Executive
Article 3 = establishes Judiciary
Which Supreme Court case strengthened the role of federal courts in redistricting disputes?
Baker V Carr
This court case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson
Brown v. Board of Education
(#1) This document argued that the executive branch should be led by a single energetic president.
(#2) This other document argues for a judiciary department (branch)
(#1) Federalist No. 70
(#2) Federalist No. 78
This Federalist Paper argued that ambition should be made to counteract ambition.
Federalist No. 51
(1) What ARE grants? (2) What is the difference between BLOCK grants and CATEGORICAL grants.
(1) Money given by the federal government to state governments
(2) Block = given for a broad purpose
Categorical = given for a specific purpose
A public school prohibits students from wearing political buttons supporting a candidate. Which Supreme Court case would students most likely cite?
Tinker v. Des Moines
A school district begins each football game with an official school prayer. Which required case would be most relevant?
Engel v. Vitale
Which two foundational documents most directly disagree over whether a large republic can successfully preserve liberty?
Federalist No. 10 and Brutus No. 1
Name the two constitutional principles most emphasized in Federalist No. 51.
Separation of powers and checks and balances
Which Supreme Court case allowed race-conscious districts to be challenged if race was the primary factor in drawing boundaries?
Shaw v Reno
A newspaper obtains classified government documents exposing government misconduct. Which case provides the strongest constitutional protection for publication?
New York Times v. United States
Congress passes a law regulating an activity that affects the national economy. A state challenges the law, arguing Congress exceeded its authority.
Which Supreme Court case would provide the best competing arguments about whether Congress acted constitutionally?
United States v. Lopez (1995)
(limits federal power under the Commerce Clause)
Correctly and concisely explain amendments 6-10
6th Amendment: Right to a speedy and public trial, lawyer, and jury.
7th Amendment: Right to a jury trial in certain civil cases.
8th Amendment: No excessive bail, excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishment.
9th Amendment: People have rights beyond those specifically listed in the Constitution.
10th Amendment: Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.
Correctly and concisely explain amendments 1-5
1st Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
2nd Amendment: Right to keep and bear arms.
3rd Amendment: No quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent.
4th Amendment: Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
5th Amendment: Due process, no self-incrimination, no double jeopardy.
Name two clauses in the 14th Amendment AND Explain the idea of selective incorporation
Citizenship Clause, Privileges or Immunities Clause, Due Process Clause (states), Equal Protection Clause
Selective Incorporation = the process by which the Supreme Court used the 14th Amendment to apply parts of the Bill of Rights to state governments.
A state government argues that because the Constitution does not explicitly grant Congress the power to regulate a specific activity, Congress cannot create laws addressing that activity.
Which Supreme Court case most directly challenges this argument, and what constitutional principle does the case reinforce?
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Principle: Necessary and Proper Clause / implied powers / federal supremacy
A state passes a law denying legal representation to defendants who cannot afford an attorney. A citizen argues that the state violated a constitutional protection.
Which Supreme Court case would most directly support the citizen’s argument, and what constitutional principle is involved (they involve 2 amendments and you need both)?
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Principle: Selective incorporation through the 14th Amendment Due Process Clause; the 6th Amendment right to counsel applies to states.