U.S. Constitution & Founding Documents
What document begins with "We the People"?
The U.S. Constitution
Which branch of government makes laws?
The Legislative Branch (Congress)
What amendment abolished slavery?
The 13th Amendment
What is federalism?
A system of government where power is divided between national and state governments
What did Brown v. Board of Education (1954) decide?
"Separate but equal" is unconstitutional; segregation violates the 14th Amendment
Name two Enlightenment thinkers who influenced the founding documents.
Locke and Montesquieu?
Name the two chambers of Congress.
The House of Representatives and the Senate
The 14th Amendment granted what to former enslaved people?
Citizenship and equal protection under the law
Give an example of a power reserved for the states.
Education, criminal justice, local government (or similar)
Which case established the principle of judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect individual rights and liberties from government
What is the primary role of the Executive Branch?
To enforce and carry out the laws
What is due process of law?
Fair treatment through the judicial system and protection of legal rights
What are concurrent powers?
Powers shared by both state and national governments
What was Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and why was it wrong?
It upheld "separate but equal" doctrine; it was overturned because segregation is inherently unequal
Explain the concept of "checks and balances."
A system where each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches
What power does the Judicial Branch have over laws?
Judicial review—the power to determine if laws are constitutional
Name three rights protected by the First Amendment.
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition (any 3)
What are enumerated powers?
Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for Congress
What did Miranda v. Arizona (1966) require?
Police must inform suspects of their rights before interrogation (Miranda Rights)
What problems did the Articles of Confederation have?
No national executive, weak Congress, no power to tax, no regulation of commerce, couldn't enforce treaties
What is the President's cabinet?
The heads of major executive departments who advise the President
What was the impact of the 15th Amendment?
It prohibited denying voting rights based on race or color
What does the 10th Amendment say?
Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people
What did Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) establish?
Defendants have a right to legal counsel; poor defendants must be provided attorneys