AP Gov Unit 3 Class Notes

Civil Rights

Actions pushed for, often by minorities, to avoid discrimination.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental freedoms that every person is entitled to, such as freedom of speech.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, passed by 1792, concerned with individual rights.

Barron v. Baltimore (1833)

Ruled that the Bill of Rights only restricts the federal government.

Engel v Vitale

Ruled that states are restricted by the 1st amendment regarding prayer in public schools.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Ruled that compelling Amish students to attend public school beyond 8th grade violates the free exercise clause.

14th Amendment

Selectively incorporates rights under state law, ensuring rights are added by amendment or judicial review.

Incorporation

The application of the Bill of Rights to state laws, limiting state power.

1st Amendment

Prohibits Congress from making laws that restrict freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, or petition.

2nd Amendment

Ensures the right of the people to keep and bear arms for a well-regulated militia.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishments.

Hate Speech

Speech that incites violence or prejudicial action against a particular group.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another.

Lemon Test

A three-part test to determine if a law violates the Establishment Clause.

Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)

Speech can be limited if it incites imminent illegal action.

New York Times Co. v. U.S. (1971)

Rejects prior restraint; protects press even during national security concerns.

Gideon v Wainwright (1963)

Incorporated the right to counsel, requiring states to provide attorneys for those who cannot afford one.

Miranda Rule (1966)

Suspects must be informed of their rights before any interrogation.

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

Established a right to privacy through the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 14th amendments.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Legalized abortion under the right to privacy.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Banned discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, or national origin in public accommodations.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Eliminated literacy tests and other discriminatory practices around voting.

Affirmative Action

Policies favoring those who tend to suffer from discrimination, particularly in education and employment.

Equal Protection Clause

Mandates that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws enforcing racial segregation.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Declared that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional.

Gitlow v. New York (1925)

Established that the rights of free speech and press are protected under the 14th amendment.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.