Ap gov

First Amendment

Protects freedom of speech, religion, and the right to assemble and petition the government.

Civil Rights

Government protected rights by the U.S constitution.

Separate-but-equal

A doctrine that has been determined to be unequal and violating the Equal Protection Clause.

Busing

Transporting students to schools within or outside their local school district to promote integration.

Gender Discrimination

Courts allow separation of genders for benefits in schools, but not for exclusions based on gender.

Sexual Harassment

A form of discrimination that violates individual rights; courts have expanded protections against it.

Right to Privacy

Established by Roe v. Wade, it protects women's choice regarding abortion.

Affirmative Action

Ensures equal opportunity in employment and education.

LGBTQ Rights

Legalization of same-sex marriage and ensuring LGBTQ rights.

Civil Liberties

Rights specifically granted by the Constitution.

Obscenity

Not protected by the First Amendment; defined in Miller v. California as content that is purposely obscene.

Symbolic Speech

Protected under the First Amendment unless it is violent or a threat.

Free Exercise Clause

Prohibits the government from prohibiting the exercise of religion.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from establishing a religion.

Exclusionary Rule

Prevents evidence gathered in violation of the Constitution from being used in court.

Judicial Review

The legal process allowing courts to determine the constitutionality of public body decisions.

Federal Court Structure

Three levels: district courts (trial), Circuit courts (first appeal), Supreme Court (final appeal).

Textualism

A legal interpretation focusing on the plain meaning of legal texts.

Originalism

The interpretation of legal texts according to their original meaning at the time of enactment.

Writ of Certiorari

An order to a lower court to send up a case for review.

Standing to Sue

Requires a serious interest and direct, substantial injury from another party or government action.

Majority Opinion

The authoritative opinion in a court ruling; a plurality opinion lacks precedent value.

Checks on the Judiciary

Allows for decisions of the Supreme Court to be reviewed by higher courts, preventing abuse of power.

Public Opinion

Has a lower impact on courts compared to other branches of government.