Important Figures
Known as the "Father of the Constitution" and a key author of the Federalist Papers, such as Federalist No. 10.
James Madison
The first governing document established a weak central government with limited powers.
Articles of confederation
This case established the supremacy of federal law over state law, ruling that a state could not tax a federal bank.
McCulloch v. Maryland
a branch of government consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which are responsible for making laws, controlling spending, and overseeing the president.
The Legislative Branch
English philosopher who advocated for a social contract in which power is derived from the consent of the governed.
John Locke
a declaration by the colonies to seek freedom from Great Britain, emphasizing the idea of natural rights and consent of the govern.
The declaration of independence
This case established the principle of judicial review, where the courts were granted the power to take down unconstitutional laws.
Marbury v. Madison
A branch of government that is responsible for enforcing and implementing laws passed by Congress, and is headed by the President.
The Executive Branch
"A governed state is best for society. People need to give up some of their rights for the good of all."
Thomas Hobbes
The U.S constitution
This case determined that the Commerce Clause allowed the federal government to regulate interstate trade, even if the trade was not directly between states.
Gibbons v. Ogden
A branch of government that is responsible for interpreting laws, resolving legal disputes, and ensuring laws are applied fairly, led by the Supreme Court.
The Judicial Branch
a philosopher who argued that government authority is based on a social contract and the consent of the governed.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Argued for a large republic to control factions and prevent tyranny of the majority.
Federalist No. 10
This court case determined that the Bill of Rights did not apply to state, only to the federal government.
Barron v. Baltimore
A document by James Madison argued that separation of powers and checks and balances would prevent any tyranny from the government.
Federalist No. 51
advocated for the separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent any tyranny in the government.
baron de Montesquieu
An Anti-Federalist paper that argued against the Constitution, fearing a strong central government would overpower states and threaten individual rights.
Brutus No. 1
This principle protects individual rights, such as freedom of speech, through putting restrictions of the government.
Limited government