Case in Point
A foundational United States Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.
Marbury v. Madison
A system of government in which power is divided and shared between a central authority, typically the national or federal government, and constituent political units, such as states or provinces.
Federalism
The first Secretary of the Treasury, and a key author of the Federalist Papers
Alexander Hamilton
A Swedish environmental activist known for her efforts to combat climate change and her role in inspiring global youth climate strikes.
Greta Thunberg
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and sets requirements for search warrants.
Fourth Amendment
A landmark United States Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine. This decision permitted what would be known as Jim Crow Laws.
Plessy v. Ferguson
Federal, State, or both?
Makes laws that apply to all states.
Federal
A renowned polymath, inventor, and diplomat, and a key figure in the American Enlightenment.
Benjamin Franklin
The first woman elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and a prominent Native American activist and community leader.
Wilma Mankiller
Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
Thirteenth Amendment
A landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1961 that significantly impacted the application of the Fourth Amendment in the United States. This case was based on police entering the home of a civilian without a search warrant.
Mapp v. Ohio
Federal, State, or Both?
Levies taxes
Both
A New Jersey statesman, a signer of the Constitution, and an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
William Paterson
A prominent civil rights activist known for his work as a key organizer of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 and for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance and LGBTQ+ rights.
Bayard Rustin
This amendment granted suffrage to women.
Nineteenth Amendment
A landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1989 that addressed the constitutionality of flag burning as a form of free speech under the First Amendment.
Texas v. Johnson
Federal, State, or both?
Declares war.
Federal
The second President, lawyer who defended British soldiers during the Boston Massacre, and a key advocate for independence.
John Adams
An African American abolitionist, orator, author, and statesman who escaped from slavery and became a leading voice in the anti-slavery movement. He was a powerful advocate for civil rights and equality for all people.
Frederick Douglass
Prohibits excessive bail and fines, as well as cruel and unusual punishment.
Eighth Amendment
The case involving Elizabeth Freeman is a landmark in American history for its role in the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts.
Brom and Bett v. Ashley
Federal, State, or both?
Manages public health and safety within the state.
State
A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 advocating for American independence from Britain and the creation of a democratic republic. Mr. Spitzer says that we all could use a little of this ...
Common Sense
A labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. She's known for her advocacy for the rights of agricultural workers and for her role in the Chicano civil rights movement.
Delores Huerta
Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy public trial by jury, the right to be informed of criminal charges, and the right to legal counsel.
Sixth Amendment