Supreme Court Cases
Which two cases addressed the issue of legislative districting with state population and racial gerrymandering?
Baker v. Carr (1961) and Shaw v. Reno (1993)
Which document established the first national government of the United States, but created a weak central authority?
The Articles of Confederation
Who confirms Supreme Court justices?
The Senate
What clause in the Constitution gives Congress the power to extend its authority beyond what's explicitly stated?
Necessary and Proper Clause/ Elastic Clause
What type of voting occurs when a voter selects candidates only from one political party?
Party-line voting
What case struck down a federal gun-free school zone law as exceeding Congress's commerce power?
U.S. v. Lopez (1995)
What document argues for checks and balances and the separation of powers?
Federalist No. 51
Which branch has the power to impeach and remove federal officials, and what roles do each chamber of Congress play in the process?
Legislative branch; the House impeaches, the Senate holds the trial, and can remove with a 2/3 vote
Which amendment established citizenship and includes the Equal Protection Clause?
14th Amendment
What type of voting occurs when voters make decisions based on how well they think the current party in power has performed in the past?
Retrospective Voting
What case required states to provide lawyers for defendants who can't afford one?
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Which anti-Federalist document feared an overly powerful national judiciary?
Brutus No. 1
How can Congress check a Supreme Court decision it disagrees with? Name one method.
By passing new legislation, amending the Constitution, or changing the jurisdiction of the courts
What clause in the Constitution has been used to expand federal power by allowing the regulation of interstate economic activity?
The Commerce Clause
What is the practice in which district lines are manipulated to favor one party?
Gerrymandering
What case ruled that political spending by corporations is protected under the First Amendment?
Citizens UNITED V. FEC (2010)
In what document did MLK defend civil disobedience in response to unjust laws?
Letter from Birmingham Jail
What happens to a bill if the president takes no action within 10 days while Congress is still in session?
It becomes law automatically after 10 days
Which amendment changed the way vice presidents are elected by creating separate ballots for president and vice president?
12th Amendment
What act outlawed literacy tests and helped enforce the 15th Amendment?
Voting Rights Act of 1965
This case overruled a 1973 decision and said the Constitution does not protect the right to an abortion, giving states the power to regulate it.
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
What document warned against factions and argued for a large republic?
Federalist No. 10
What is a filibuster, and in which chamber of Congress is it used to delay or block legislation?
A filibuster is a tactic where a senator speaks at length to delay action on a bill. It is used in the Senate.
Which constitutional principle is upheld by the 10th Amendment, and what does it state?
Federalism; it reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or people.
What is the difference between a primary and a caucus?
Primary is a secret ballot; Caucus is a public discussion & group vote