Foundational Documents
This document created a system where the national government lacked the power to tax or regulate commerce, leading to economic instability.
Articles of Confederation
What is the purpose of the Preamble?
To introduce WHY the Constitution is being written and it's primary goals
This case established the Supreme Court’s power to declare laws unconstitutional.
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
What was the Enlightenment?
The Enlightenment was a 17th–18th century intellectual movement in Europe that emphasized reason, individual rights, and limits on government.
This principle divides government power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Separation of Powers
This argument warned that a large republic would be too distant from the people and threaten individual liberties AND what political coalition was the author writing from the perspective of?
Brutus 1 AND Anti-Federalists
Article 1 = ?
Article 2 = ?
Article 3 = ?
Article 1 = Legislative Branch (Congress: makes laws)
Article 2 = Executive Branch (President: enforces laws)
Article 3 = Judicial Branch (Courts: interprets laws)
This case established a “heavy presumption against prior restraint” in protecting freedom of the press.
New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
What is the Social Contract?
The Social Contract an implicit agreement where individuals give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection of their rights, security, and social order.
What is the difference between Formal and Informal powers? AND what is one example of an executive branch informal power?
Formal = Powers that are explicitly written in the Constitution or laws
Informal = Powers that are not written in the Constitution but are used to carry out formal powers
Examples = President uses executive orders, press conferences, and executive agreements
This document argues that individuals have natural rights and that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
Declaration of Independence
This amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Amendment 4
This case ruled that race-based districting can violate the Equal Protection Clause if race is the predominant factor.
Shaw v. Reno (1993)?
Under the idea of fiscal federalism, what are the two types of Grants AND what are they / what is the difference?
Categorical Grants - Federal money given to states with strict rules on how it must be spent. Often requires matching funds and compliance with federal standards.
Block Grants - Federal money given for a broad purpose, with more state flexibility in how it is used.
What are Enumerated and Implied powers AND which branch do they apply to?
Enumerated = Powers specifically listed in Article 1 of the Constitution
Implied = Powers not directly listed, but assumed 'necessary and proper' to carry out enumerated powers
Applies to the Legislative Branch
It allows the federal government to regulate:
- Trade between states (interstate commerce)
- Trade with other countries (foreign commerce)
- Trade with Native American tribes
Describe Article VII (7) of the U.S. Constitution
RATIFICATION - The Constitution would become law once: 9 out of the 13 states ratified it
Describe the (1) facts of the case, (2) ruling, and (3) effect of McDonald v. Chicago (2010)
Facts: Otis McDonald challenged Chicago’s handgun ban, arguing it violated his Second Amendment right to possess a firearm for self-defense.
Ruling: The Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment right to bear arms applies to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
Effect: Extended (incorporated) gun rights to limit state and local governments, not just the federal government.
Describe: Elitist, Participatory, and Pluralist styles of democracy
Participatory Democracy - Broad, direct citizen involvement in politics; high participation improves legitimacy.
Pluralist Democracy - Competing interest groups share power; policy results from bargaining among groups.
Elitist Democracy - Small, powerful elite (wealthy, educated, connected) dominates political decision-making.
For both the Senate and the House of Representatives... list (1) the term length (2) election cycles (3) # of people in the chamber and (4) who they are meant to represent
Senate = 6 years, 1/3 of the Senate every 2 years, 100, represent the states
House = 2 years, entire house elected every 2 years, 435, directly represent the people
Describe both the...
Full Faith and Credit Clause AND Privileges and Immunities Clause
BONUS= Where are they both located in the Constitution?
Full Faith and Credit Clause - Requires states to recognize and honor the public acts, records, and judicial decisions of other states
Privileges and Immunities Clause - Prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states in favor of their own residents
BONUS = Article IV (4)
What three clauses are located in the 1st Amendment? Describe what each is.
Establishment Clause - Prevents the government from creating or favoring a religion
Free Exercise Clause - Protects individuals’ right to practice their religion freely
Freedom of Speech Clause - Protects expression of ideas and opinions
Could also...
Freedom of the Press Clause - Protects the right to publish information without prior restraint
Assembly and Petition Clauses - Right to gather peacefully / Right to complain to or seek changes from the government
Describe the (1) facts of the case, (2) legal question, (3) ruling, and (4) effect of United States v. Lopez (1995)
Facts: A high school student, Alfonso Lopez, brought a handgun to school and was charged under the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act.
Question: Did Congress exceed its authority under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution by enacting the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990?
Ruling: The Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional, stating Congress exceeded its power under the Commerce Clause.
Effect: Limited federal power by reinforcing that not all activities can be regulated under the Commerce Clause; strengthened the principle of federalism.
What is the difference between Reserved and Exclusive Powers? AND Name one example of each
Exclusive (Delegated) Powers - Powers given only to the national government by the Constitution. Examples: coin money, regulate interstate commerce, declare war
Reserved Powers - Powers kept by the states under the Tenth Amendment
Examples: conduct elections, establish schools, regulate intrastate commerce
Draw an Iron Triangle
Should draw a triangle with these at the points:
Congressional committees/subcommittees
Executive agencies
Interest groups