Amendments
What was the main purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To guarantee individual freedoms against abuses of power
What is usually the first step in amending the Constitution?
Two-thirds of each house of Congress propose the amendment.
Article III of the Constitution established the US Supreme Court. Why does this article refer to this court as "supreme"?
It has authority over all other courts in the United States.
What is the significance of the US Supreme Court's decision in Miranda v. Arizona (1966)?
Suspects had to be told of their right to have an attorney present or to remain silent during police interrogation.
You are arrested. According to the 8th amendment, you shall not pay excessive bail, excessive fines, or suffer cruel and unusual punishment. What is the best definition of "bail"?
Money a defendant pays as security to stay out of jail while waiting for trial.
Why is freedom of the press so important to democratic government?
It keeps citizens informed about the acts of their government leaders.
After two-thirds of each house of Congress approve a proposed constitutional amendment, what happens next?
Three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify the amendment.
How does an appellate court differ from a trial court?
An appellate court reviews another court's decision.
What was the significance of the US Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
It established the power of the Court to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional.
An oil barge belonging to the State of Alabama has a massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. The leaked oil damages the beautiful beaches of Destin, Panama City, and Ft. Walton. The oil also endangers the shrimp and crab industry of Florida. The State of Florida sues the State of Alabama. Which court has jurisdiction over the case?
The Supreme Court
Why did Federalists oppose the Bill of Rights?
Initially they argued that a Bill of Rights would be dangerous to the people because it could be used to limit their rights.
What are the two ways a Constitutional amendment can originate?
Proposed by Congress or petitioned by 2/3 of states.
How do the Justices of the Supreme Court communicate their decisions?
Once a decision is reached, one Justice writes a majority opinion while others may write dissenting opinions.
What did the US Supreme Court conclude in the decision of Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)?
Students have the right to wear armbands in school to express their political beliefs because students were entitled to free speech rights even in a school setting.
The Rio Grande forms the international border between Texas and Mexico. Over the years, the Rio Grande has changed its course several times. This has led to a number of disputes between Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. The Country Club dispute between Texas and New Mexico was decided by the Supreme Court in 1927. Why did the Supreme Court exercise original jurisdiction over this case?
The Supreme Court is the first court to hear all cases involving foreign ambassadors, consuls, or a state. In this case, two states were disputing borders, giving the Supreme Court original jurisdiction.
Define "due process" of law.
Procedures used to enforce the law are fair, reasonable, and just.
A constitutional convention is called by Congress. What majority is required for ratification?
3/4 of all states
You would like to appeal a case and have it heard by the Supreme Court. You must file a petition for ___. There are approximately 10,000 petitions filed per year. The Supreme Court only grants this petition to review if the case is of national importance.
Writ of certiorari
What was the significance of the US Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?
A person accused of a felony who cannot afford an attorney is entitled to have one appointed by the court.
While Alex was at school, police officers broke into his home and took his computer. They did not have a warrant and there was no reason to believe that Alex had broken any laws. Alex was not avoiding the police. What right did officers violate? (State the right and the amendment.)
The right against unreasonable searches and seizures in the Fourth Amendment.
What are the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment?
The five freedoms the First Amendment protects: speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
Anti-federalists did not support ratifying the constitution as it was originally written. Instead, they argued for 10 amendments called the Bill of Rights in order to agree to ratify the Constitution. Why did they believe these amendments were so important?
Anti-federalists argued a written list of rights is the only way to ensure the government would not infringe on one’s rights.
Which are the only federal courts to have juries?
US District Courts
What was the outcome of the US Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore (2000)?
A recount of votes in Florida was stopped and George W. Bush became the next President.
Janice was accused of shoplifting in a neighborhood department store. She went to trial and the jury found her to be "not guilty." However, the storeowner found video footage after the trial, proving that Janice did shoplift. The owner takes this evidence to the district attorney. How will the district attorney respond?
Janice cannot be tried again because this would violate the ban on "double jeopardy."