Which branch has the power?
Has the power to make laws, declare war, and approve the federal budget.
What is the Legislative Branch?
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave women the right to vote, marking a major victory for the women’s suffrage movement?
What is the 19th Amendment?
This 1963 case ruled that a defendant must be provided a lawyer in all criminal cases, even if they cannot afford one.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright?
This system requires each branch of the federal government to obtain the consent of the other two branches in order to act, ensuring no branch becomes too powerful.
What is checks and balances?
What 1776 document explained why the American colonies were cutting ties with Britain, using ideas like natural rights, the social contract, and that governments should get their power from the people?
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Has the power to veto legislation and command the armed forces.
What is the Executive Branch?
Which amendment limits the ability of individuals to sue states in federal court, strengthening state sovereignty in the U.S. legal system?
What is the 11th Amendment?
In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine.
What is Brown v. Board of Education?
Also known as "marble cake federalism," this system sees federal, state, and local governments sharing responsibilities and working together to solve problems.
What is cooperative federalism?
This document was the first governing framework of the United States, creating a weak federal government and emphasizing state power over national authority.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
Interprets the Constitution and can declare laws unconstitutional through judicial review.
What is the Judicial Branch?
This amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and ensures that warrants are required before authorities can search personal property.
What is the 4th Amendment?
This 1919 case allowed the government to limit free speech if it created a "clear and present danger," as in the case of Schenck’s anti-draft pamphlets.
What is Schenck v. United States?
What is the name of the constitutionally established body that officially elects the President of the United States, with each state's influence based on its congressional representation?
What is the Electoral College?
This essay, written by James Madison, argues that a large republic is the best way to control the negative effects of factions by preventing any single group from gaining too much power and threatening individual rights.
Federalist 10
Confirms presidential appointments, such as federal judges and cabinet members.
What is the Legislative Branch?
This amendment protects citizens from self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and ensures that no one is deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
What is the 5th Amendment?
This 1962 case required the state of Tennessee to redraw its voting districts to reflect population shifts, establishing the principle of "one person, one vote."
What is Baker v. Carr?
These are powers specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution as being granted to the federal government.
What are enumerated powers?
This 1787 paper, written by James Madison, explains how the structure of the new government under the Constitution will prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful by establishing a system of checks and balances.
What is Federalist 51?
Negotiates treaties and appoints ambassadors to foreign nations.
What is the Executive Branch?
This amendment guarantees equal protection under the law for all people born or naturalized in the U.S., and is key in cases of selective incorporation.
What is the 14th Amendment?
In this 1995 case, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had overstepped its authority by using the Commerce Clause to regulate guns in schools, emphasizing the importance of state power.
What is United States v. Lopez?
A term describes a group that tries to influence government decisions to benefit its members' interests, a concern that James Madison raised in Federalist No. 10
What is a faction?
The famous piece written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. defends the strategy of nonviolent civil disobedience and advocates for the end of racial segregation, using the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
What is the Letter from a Birmingham Jail?