Show me the Papers
Was written at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Is called a living document (because it can be changed) so it has been around for over 200 years
The Constitution of the United States
Expanded federal power, Congress has implied powers. Congress can establish a national bank based on necessary and proper clause;a state cannot tax the federal government based on the supremacy clause
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
members serve as advisors to the president. They include the vice president, heads of executive departments, and other high-ranking government officials. Cabinet members are nominated by the president and must be approved by a simple majority of the Senate—51 votes if all 100 Senators vote.
The Cabinet
A large republic is the best way to control factions and protect minority rights while maintaining majority rule
FederalistNo. 10
Right to bear arms
2ndAmendment
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all mean are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” “That to secure these rights,Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Declaration of Independence
Established judicial review: the power of the Court to rule on the constitutionality of congressional laws, executive actions, and state laws
Marbury v. Madison(1803)
Provide services that could be provided by private companies, but are not profitable
Amtrak,Tennessee Valley Authority
Government corporations
Argues for checks and balances and separation of powers. We need a government because people aren’t perfect and we need to limit government because people in government aren’t perfect either
FederalistNo. 51
Speedy and public trial by jury in criminal cases
6thAmendment
MLK demands fulfillment of Declaration of Independence and 14thAmendment’s equal protection clause for African-Americans
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Banned malapportionment; established “One person, one vote” principle of equal representation
Baker v. Carr(1962
Major area of responsibility over a broad policy area; broad area of responsibility
Dept. of Homeland Security, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Education
Cabinet departments
Life terms for federal judges establishes an independent judiciary that can engage in judicial reviewJudiciary is the least dangerous branch, lacking budget or war powers, rely on others to enforce their decisions must have power of judicial review
FederalistNo. 78
States’ rights; All powers not delegated to the federal or denied to the states are reserved to the states
10th Amendment
States were sovereign; each state had 1 vote in Congress; No executive or judicial branch; states could impose tariffs on other states, create their own currencies, and ignore federal treaties; Congress couldn’t tax. Intentionally created a very weak national government
Articles of Confederation
States cannot hold prayers in public schools, even if participation is voluntary and the prayer isn’t tied to a specific religion
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
Perform public services
Environmental Protection Agency
Executive agencies
In this essay, Hamilton argues that a single executive (led by one person as president, rather than several people acting as a council) is the best form for the executive branch of the United States.
Federalist No. 70
Women’s suffrage
19th Amendment
Argues against ratifying the Constitution and wishes for power to be held by the people in smaller, more local governments, more democratic.
BrutusNo. 1
Incorporated the right to an attorney (6thamendment through the 14th’s due process clause)
Gideon v. Wainwright(1963)
Make rules regulating specific industries to protect public; more narrow area of responsibility
Federal Elections Commission (FEC)Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC
Independent regulatory commissions
Hamilton advances the case against the Bill of Rights, expressing the fear that explicitly enumerated rights could too easily be construed as comprising the only rights to which American citizens were entitled.
Federalist No. 84
Direct election of Senators
17th Amendment