Cases
This case established the principle of judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
This case invented the "clear and present danger" test for when trying to determine if a state could constitutionally limit an individuals freedom of speech rights under he First Amendment.
What is Schenck v. United States?
In this case, the Court gave itself more power over other courts' decisions, federal and state laws, and the actions of government officials.
What is Marbury v Madison?
(Set the precedent of Judicial Review)
A document that has the important phrase of "all men are created equal" and uses Locke's ideas of natural rights to explain why the people could revolt against a tyranical king.
What is Declaration of Independence?
A document that established America's national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens.
What is the Constitution of the United States?
This case established that Congress had implied constitutional power to create a national bank and that individual states could not tax a federally chartered bank.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland?
This case ruled that state laws establishing racial segregation in public schools are unconstitutional.
What is Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka?
In this case, the Court ruled that redistricting based primarily on race must be held to a standard of strict scrutiny under the equal protection clause.
What is Shaw v. Reno?
This document introduced created a loose federation of the 13 states, thereby restricting the power of the national government.
What is the Articles of Confederation?
This document warns about the dangers of factions in a society and concludes that only a large republic that is divided up will control them.
What is Federalist No. 10?
This Tennessee case used judicial review to allow federal courts to rule on cases related to legislative apportionment.
What was the impact of Baker v. Carr?
In this case, the Supreme Court held that official recitation of prayers in public schools violated the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.
What is Engel v. Vitale?
This case had the Court rule that the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was unconstitutional Congress had exceeded its authority under commerce clause.
What is United States v. Lopez?
This document argued that power in the hands of a few at the national level would usurp power from the states and take away citizens' liberty.
What is Brutus No. 1?
This document talks about the need for appropriate checks and balances in the government and how there has to be a separation of powers within the national government.
What is Federalist No. 51?
This case ruled that the Constitution requires the states to provide defense attorneys to criminal defendants charged with serious offenses who cannot afford lawyers themselves.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright?
This case ruled that public school officials cannot censor student expression unless they can reasonably see that the speech will substantially disrupt school activities or invade the rights of others.
What is Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District?
In this case, the Court ruled that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments as well as to the federal government.
What is McDonald v. Chicago?
This document argues in favor of "an energetic" unitary executive and talks about how it is necessary so as to ensure accountability in the government.
What is Federalist No. 70?
This document argues for a free and independent judicial branch that has the power to review the other parts of government.
What is Federalist No. 78?
This case defended the First Amendment right of free press against prior restraint by the government.
What is New York Times Company v. United States?
In this case, the Court prioritized free exercise of religion over the state interest in an educated populace.
What is Wisconsin v. Yoder?
In this case, the Court ruled that corporations have personhood and can spend money on media ads to independently get candidates elected
What is Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission?
This document is about a social rights activist and his response to criticism against him and outlines the ideology of nonviolent protest.
What is Letter from a Birmingham Jail?
This collection of articles and essays were published to urge New Yorkers to ratify the proposed United States Constitution.
What is The Federalist Papers?