Terms
Define civil liberties and give one example.
Answer: Civil liberties are protections from government interference in personal freedoms.
Example: Freedom of speech.
What amendment protects freedom of speech, religion and press?
The first amendment
Why does the Court protect hate speech?
Answer: Because the First Amendment protects speech based on ideas, not popularity unless it incites violence or threats.
There is a graduation prayer done by a school does it violate the establishment clause using the Lemon Test?
Answer: Yes It lacks a secular purpose, advances religion, and entangles the government with religion.
(Lee V. Weisman)
Why are Miranda rights required to be said by an officer even if someone “should know” their rights?
Answer: To make sure suspects actually understand their 5th Amendment rights during an interrogation.
Define civil rights and explain how they differ from civil liberties.
Answer: Civil rights ensure equal treatment under the law.
Difference: Civil liberties protect freedoms, civil rights protect equality.
What amendment protects rights in a court room, such as a right to a fair and speedy trial, right to an impartial jury, or the right to bail?
The 6th amendment
Why is procedural due process essential?
Answer: It ensures fairness and prevents the government from taking life, liberty, or property without proper procedures.
The police search a backpack with no probable cause or reasonable suspicion was that constitutional?
No.
Difference between reasonable suspicion and probable cause?
Reasonable suspicion: Small, specific facts that looks like illegal activity.
Probable cause: Stronger evidence needed for arrests or warrants.
What is the difference between procedural and substantive due process?
Procedural due process makes sure the government uses fair methods before taking life, liberty, or property, focusing on the how.
Substantive due process asks if the government has a good reason, focusing on the what.
What are the limitations of speech that are not protected by the constitution?
Seditious speech, with the intention of disrupting lawful activities, as well as slander or libel intended to injure a person's character or reputation, or intended to expose a person to public hatred
How does selective incorporation expand rights?
Answer: The Supreme Court applies Bill of Rights protections to states case by case, increasing individual freedom over time.
The city bans only anti-government protests and not other ones. What freedom is violated?
Answer: Freedom of assembly and speech it’s discrimination, which is unconstitutional.
Why are protests protected even when their views are unpopular?
Answer: Because the First Amendment protects speech equally, it doesn't matter what you think.
Define Eminent domain and explain the restraints for this power.
Power of the government to take private property for public use. They must give just compensation to take the property
What does the 4th Amendment protect citizens from?
Answer: the right of people to be secure in their house, person, papers, and protects against unreasonable seizures.
How does the Court determine “clear and present danger”?
Answer: Speech can be limited only if it poses immediate/direct harm (inciting violence).
Someone is wearing a pro Trump shirt and a liberal police officer doesn't like that is arrested was that constitutional?
No.
Who won the 2025 presidential election between Liv Sweeney and Laura Sanderson?
Liv Sweeney
What is the Establishment Clause, and where is it found in the Constitution?
It is found in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and it prohibits the government from establishing a state religion or unfairly favoring one religion over another. (The Lemon test is in this).
What is the Establishment Clause, and where is it found in the Constitution?
Answer: It prevents the government from establishing an official religion.
Found in the 1st Amendment.
What's an example of civil liberties conflicting with each other?
Answer: Freedom of the press vs. the right to a fair trial or free speech vs. public safety.
The state bans all private schools. Which due process and amendment challenges this?
Primarily under the Fourteenth Amendment
And liberty interest in parental rights to direct children's education
A city passes a rule saying people can protest only if the protest message is approved by the mayor’s office first.
Which constitutional right does this violate, and why?
It violates the 1st Amendment because the government cannot approve or reject protests based on the content or message.