Court Cases P.1
A Supreme Court case where the Court held that a state could not require the children of certain religious sects to attend high school.
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
Ruled that the New York Times could publish classified documents regarding Nixon's war plans under free speech
New York Times Co. V United States (1971)
Proposal advocating for a strong executive branch to ensure the will of the people. A single, energetic executive is safer than a weak or divided one. (Hamilton)
Federalist 70
Found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the U.S. Constitution. It authorizes Congress to pass all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its enumerated powers and all other powers vested in the government.
Necessary and Proper (elastic clause)
The clause in the 14th Amendment that ensures laws are applied fairly, not based on race, gender, or any other factor.
Equal Protection Clause
A supreme court case that shaped electoral districts, claiming that giving a racial minority group more voting using redistricting and racial gerrymandering might violate the Constitution.
Shaw v. Reno (1993)
Ruled that the interstate commerce clause could not be used in defense of gun legislation in schools.
United States v. Lopez (1995)
Robert Yates’ proposal regarding the states having more power than a strong federal government to avoid tyranny.
Brutus 1
Proposal regarding the federal government having more central power than the states to avoid factions. A large republic manages "factionalism" better than small democracies. (Madison)
Federalist 10
The clause used to oppose religious practices being encouraged by public schools.
Establishment Clause
Ruled that the 6th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires U.S. states to provide attorneys to criminal defendants who are unable to afford their own.
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Decided that redistricting can be a justifiable question regarding cases related to the 14th amendment under the equal protection clause.
Baker v. Carr
Argues for the importance of an independent judiciary with the power of judicial review. (Hamilton)
Federalist 78
The clause that prohibits the government from restricting an individual's right to practice their religion, protecting both beliefs and, to a limited extent, actions.
Free Exercise Clause
The clause where officers are required to inform a suspect that they have the right to remain silent, that anything they say may be used against them, and they have the right to counsel.
Miranda Clause
A supreme court case that ruled that mandatory prayer in public schools is unconstitutional, violating the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment.
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
A supreme court case in which free speech was applied to corporations, and that political spending was protected by free speech.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
This document defends the strategy of nonviolent, direct action to combat segregation, advocating for civil disobedience to force negotiation and condemning white moderation.
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Proposal regarding the essential groundwork of the federal government, advocating for checks and balances. Separation of powers ("ambition counteracts ambition") prevents tyranny. (Madison)
Federalist 51
The clause that establishes federal powers and laws have precedence to state laws and powers
Supremacy Clause
A supreme court case that decided that free speech isn’t absolute during wartime. The government can limit speech that creates a “clear and present danger”
Schenck v. the United States (1919)
A supreme court case that confirmed that the Federal government has implied powers beyond those specifically listened in the constitution
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
The supreme law of the U.S., establishing a federal government based on separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial), checks and balances, and federalism
Constitution
This document established a unicameral legislature where each state had one vote, but lacked an executive or judicial branch, and couldn't levy taxes or regulate trade, leading to significant problems that prompted the creation of the stronger U.S. Constitution
Articles of Confederation
The clause found in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution that has allowed Congress to influence things such as transportation, civil rights issues, environmental protections, and interstate economics.
Commerce Clause