Required Docs
Argued for a single, energetic executive to ensure accountability and effective leadership.
Fed 70
Established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional, significantly strengthening the judiciary.
Marbury v Madison
This establishes a hierarchy where federal laws and treaties are the "supreme law of the land," and state judges are bound to uphold them, even if they contradict state laws.
Supremacy Clause
This amendment prohibits the federal government from imposing:
Excessive bail, Excessive fines, Cruel and unusual punishments
8th Amendment
What are the two ways to amend the constitution?
1. Congressional Proposal (most common)
Step 1: Proposal by a 2/3 vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Step 2: Ratification by 3/4 of state legislatures (currently 38 out of 50 states), or by ratifying conventions in 3/4 of the states.
2. Constitutional Convention (never used)
Step 1: 2/3 of state legislatures (currently 34) request a national convention to propose amendments.
Step 2: Proposed amendments must then be ratified by 3/4 of the states, through legislatures or ratifying conventions.
Defended civil disobedience against unjust laws and called for the fulfillment of the promises of the Declaration and Constitution.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
Established the principle of "one person, one vote," allowing federal courts to intervene in and decide redistricting cases.
Baker v Carr
These are the three natural rights identified by John Locke.
Life, liberty and property
protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. It requires law enforcement to have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant approved by a judge to conduct searches of property or people.
4th Amendment
This lawmaking tactic in the Senate involves extended debate to delay or block legislation.
Filibuster
Anti-Federalist essay warning that a strong central government would threaten state sovereignty and individual rights.
Brutus 1
Held that the Sixth Amendment right to counsel applies to defendants in state courts through the 14th Amendment.
Gideon v Wainwright
This has been interpreted to give Congress broad authority to regulate the national economy and interstate activities.
Commerce Clause
Summarize the 5th Amendment
Protection against self-incrimination
Protection against double jeopardy
Right to due process
Right to a grand jury – For serious federal crimes, a grand jury must decide if there's enough evidence to charge you.
Takings Clause (eminent domain)
Ruled that religious beliefs can exempt students from compulsory education laws.
Wisconsin v Yoder
Explained checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent any one branch from dominating.
Fed 51
Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause by ruling that gun possession in school zones is not an economic activity that affects interstate commerce.
US v Lopez
This clause allows for a flexible interpretation of congressional authority, enabling them to enact laws that are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but are deemed essential for carrying out those powers.
Necessary and Proper Clause
It allowed the federal government to collect income taxes directly from individuals, which became a major source of government funding.
16th Amendment
Corey Booker recently broke the record for longest filibuster. Who's record did he break?
Strom Thurmond was known for his record-breaking filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957, speaking for over 24 hours straight.
Discussed the role of the judiciary, emphasizing judicial review and life tenure for judges.
Fed 78
Incorporated the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms to the states through the 14th Amendment.
Mcdonald v Chicago
These Federalist Papers support separation of powers and an energetic executive.
What are Federalist No. 51 and Federalist No. 70
This amendment canceled this previous amendment.
21st canceled the 18th
Argued for a large republic to control factions and prevent tyranny of the majority.
Fed 10