Court Cases
Forbids States from controlling abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy as a right to privacy issue
Roe v Wade (1973)
The u.s. supreme decided that there are limits to congress ability to claim jurisdiction based on the interstate commerce clause
U.S. v. Lopez (1995)
Supreme court decision that determined “separate but equal” was in fact discrimination and therefore unconstitutional. This overturned a previous courts decision.
Brown V Board of Education (1954)
statement adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting. it announced that the Thirteen Colonies are at war with the Kingdom of Great Britain and would regard themselves as thirteen independent sovereign states, no longer under British rule.
The Declaration of Independence
The letter defends the strategy of nonviolent resistance to racism. It says that people have a moral responsibility to break unjust laws and to take direct action rather than waiting potentially forever for justice to come through the courts.
Letter From Birmingham Jail
The state cannot hold prayers in public schools, even if participation is not required and the prayer is not tied to a particular religion. Prayer in school as a violation of establishment clause and a breaching the separation of church and state.
Engel V Vitale (1962)
The Court found that if a redistricting map is "so bizarre on its face that it is 'unexplainable on grounds other than race'," will be held unconstitutional
Shaw v Reno (1993)
Affirmed congress implied powers through the necessary and proper clause, which states Congress can make laws it deems necessary and proper to carry out these enumerated powers.
McCulloch V Maryland (1819)
An agreement among the 13 original states of the United States of America that served as its first constitution/ form of national government
The Articles of Confederation
Tis is the supreme law of the United States and delineates the national frame of government.
The U.S. Constitution
Extends 6th amendment guarantee of Right to Council to all accused persons tried in state courts as not just federal.
Gideon V Wainwright (1963)
The U.S. supreme court ruled students freedom to speech and expression is not left behind when they enter a school.
Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1969)
This court decision equates donating money to a political cause to speech, therefore large sums from large committees, corporations, etc. can be seen as expressing support for a candidate on behalf of the members with that organization.
Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2010)
Said-Factions are bad but inescapable. A large republic is the only system that will allow freedom /liberty while making sure the Majority rule with minority rights. (making sure a multitude of factions will keep each other in check)
Federalist # 10 )
Said -The Judicial branch (though the weakest ) thru its independent nature and judge tenure ..establishes judicial review
Federalist # 78
This case was the first time judicial review was used by the Supreme Court
Marbury v Madison (1803)
The Supreme Court held that the Fourteenth Amendment makes the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defense applicable to the states.
McDonald V. Chicago (2010)
Court ruled that federal courts do have jurisdiction to cases involving the drawing of legislative districts which led to (later cases) idea of “one person one vote” i.e. equal population in districts.
Baker v Carr (1961)
Said-Need for a single executive figure rather than a council in order to have energy, direction, accountability and quick responsive and decisive action when needed from the executive branch
Federalist # 70
Said-Separation of powers between three branches with each branch have the power of Checks and Balances upon the other two.
Federalist # 51
Supreme Court held that the First Amendment’s free exercise of religion clause prevents a state from compelling Amish children to attend school to the age of 16.
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
Any system of prior restraints on expression comes to the Supreme Court bearing a heavy presumption against its invalidity. The Government “thus creates a heavy burden of showing justification for the enforcement of such a restraint
New York Times V U.S. (1971)
U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the freedom of speech protection afforded in the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment could be restricted if the words spoken or printed represented to society a “clear and present danger.”
Schenck V U.S. (1919)
The anti-federalists publication arguing against the ratification of the constitution for fear of too strong of a centralized government. This antifederalist resistance led to the passage of the bill of rights.
Brutus # 1
Not one of the required docs. This was created under the articles of confederation and established a new territory that would eventually become "equal" states in the new union. It also established the idea of public education in the new territory and that it would be a non-slave part of the country
Northwest Ordinance