Essential Documents
Essential Cases
Congress
Participation
POTUS
100

argued for large republics 

federalist #10 

100

student expression. Non violent/disruptive school demonstrations were ruled to be constitutional.

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

100

Who is the most powerful person in the House

Speaker of the House 

100

Provided for the direct election U.S. Senators and expanded participation among the electorate 

17th amendment 

100

The president traveled the country giving speeches about raising the minimum wage. What informal power are they using?


bully pulpit 

200

warned against the seemingly “uncontrollable power” of the new federal government

brutus 1 

200

was the most recent instance of incorporation.  The Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for self-defense is now applicable to the states.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

200

This type of committee reconciles differences between House and Senate bills before they are sent to the president for signing

conference 

200

Where is lobbying activity most clearly protected in our constitution?

1st amendment 

200

“The president today met in the White House with the world champion Green Bay Packers. After putting on a jersey he joked that he had to decide between becoming president or becoming an NFL QB.”What role are they playing?


Chief of State 

300

Shays rebellion showed the weakness of this document 

articles of confederation 

300

enforced redistricting based on the principle of “one-person-one-vote.”

Baker v. Carr (1961)

300

When members of Congress engage in logrolling they are


vote trading 

300

According to the original U.S. Constitution who was responsible for determining voting qualifications?

states 

300

Who helps the President enforce and execute laws. They are referred to as the arms and legs of the executive branch. 

bureaucracy 

400

set of core ideals – liberty, equality, and self government – that serve as the people’s common bond.”

declaration of independence 

400

Chief Justice John Marshall established the court's power of judicial review

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

400

Redrawing the size and shape of its Congressional districts is?

redistricting 

400

Most votes win is what type of an election?

plurality 

400

What informal presidential power carries the same authority as law but without Congressional assent?

executive order 

500

 “If men were angels,” Madison wrote, “no government would be necessary.”

federalist 51 

500

selective incorporation example. Using the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process clause to apply the Sixth Amendment even in state cases

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

500

Confirmation of presidential appointments and ratifying treaties is a role given to

Senate 
500

In our democracy political parties, interest groups, elections and media are examples of


linkage institutions 

500

An energetic president would be essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks; for the steady administration of the laws; for the protection of property; for securing our liberty against the assaults of personal ambition.

Federalist 70

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