Who's got the power?
Has the power to make laws, declare war, and approve the federal budget.
What is the Legislative Branch?
This amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and protects the right to petition the government.
What is the 1st Amendment?
This 1963 case ruled that a defendant must be provided a lawyer in all criminal cases, even if they cannot afford one.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright?
This system requires each branch of the federal government to obtain the consent of the other two branches in order to act, ensuring no branch becomes too powerful.
What is checks and balances?
This 1776 document was a formal declaration from the American colonies asserting their independence from Britain, focusing on natural rights, the social contract, and limited government.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Has the power to veto legislation and command the armed forces.
What is the Executive Branch?
This amendment grants citizens the right to bear arms, allowing individuals to own and carry weapons.
What is the 2nd Amendment?
In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine.
What is Brown v. Board of Education?
Also known as "marble cake federalism," this system sees federal, state, and local governments sharing responsibilities and working together to solve problems.
What is cooperative federalism?
This document was the first governing framework of the United States, creating a weak federal government and emphasizing state power over national authority.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
Interprets the Constitution and can declare laws unconstitutional through judicial review.
What is the Judicial Branch?
This amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and ensures that warrants are required before authorities can search personal property.
What is the 4th Amendment?
This 1919 case allowed the government to limit free speech if it created a "clear and present danger," as in the case of Schenck’s anti-draft pamphlets.
What is Schenck v. United States?
This body of representatives formally casts votes to elect the next president of the United States, with each state having a set number of electors.
What is the Electoral College?
This 1787 document argues in favor of the new Constitution, supporting the creation of a large republic and warning against the dangers of factions, as discussed in Federalist Paper No. 10.
What is Federalist 10?
Confirms presidential appointments, such as federal judges and cabinet members.
What is the Legislative Branch?
This amendment protects citizens from self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and ensures that no one is deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
What is the 5th Amendment?
This 1962 case required the state of Tennessee to redraw its voting districts to reflect population shifts, establishing the principle of "one person, one vote."
What is Baker v. Carr?
These are powers specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution as being granted to the federal government.
What are enumerated powers?
This 1787 paper argues that the new Constitution is needed to establish a strong federal government with checks and balances, specifically focusing on the separation of powers and preventing tyranny, as outlined in Federalist 51.
What is Federalist 51?
Negotiates treaties and appoints ambassadors to foreign nations.
What is the Executive Branch?
This amendment guarantees equal protection under the law for all people born or naturalized in the U.S., and is key in cases of selective incorporation.
What is the 14th Amendment?
In this 1995 case, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had overstepped its authority by using the Commerce Clause to regulate guns in schools, emphasizing the importance of state power.
What is United States v. Lopez?
This term refers to a group that seeks to influence government decisions for the benefit or interests of its own members.
What is a faction?
This famous 1963 letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. defends the strategy of nonviolent civil disobedience and advocates for the end of racial segregation, using the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
What is the Letter from a Birmingham Jail?