Key Terms
The idea that each branch of government has some power over the others
He was the main author of the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson
This 1803 case established the power of judicial review
Marbury vs. Madison
The opening words of this document, “We the People,” express the idea that ultimate political authority comes from citizens rather than rulers.
US Constitution
This amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
1st Amendment
the idea that all citizens, including government officials, are bound by laws
Rule of Law
He issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Union during the Civil War
Abraham Lincoln
This 1973 case legalized abortion nationwide under the right to privacy
Roe v. Wade
This document announced the colonies’ independence from Britain
Declaration of Independence
This amendment abolished slavery
13th Amendment
This term describes the system where power is divided between the national government and state governments
Federalism
As the first Secretary of the Treasury, he championed a strong national government and authored many essays supporting the Constitution
Alexander Hamilton
In this case (1896), the Court ruled “separate but equal” was constitutional
Plessy v. Ferguson
This foundational document was created as a compromise to satisfy Anti-Federalist concerns, guaranteeing individual liberties such as free expression, fair trials, and protection from government
Bill of Rights
guarantee of women’s right to vote
19th Amendment
Legal rights are designed to protect individuals from abuse of power by government
Civil Liberties
Known as the “Father of the Constitution"
James Madison
This 1954 case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and ended school segregation
Brown v. Board of Education
This document served as the first constitution of the United States
Articles of Confederation
This amendment provides for the right to a speedy and public trial
6th Amendment
The idea that people of a particular territory have the highest authority to rule over that territory, and thus only they have the right to create or alter the constituion
popular sovereignty
As Chief Justice, he fundamentally strengthened the judiciary by establishing the principle of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison
establishment of the "clear and present danger" test as a standard for limiting free speech rights
Schenck v. United States
This Federalist Paper, written by Madison, defends a large republic against factions
Federalist No. 10
This amendment guarantees equal protection of the laws and has served as the basis for landmark cases involving civil rights
14th Amendment