Unit 2 Test - Government

Exclusionary Rule

The legal principle that prevents evidence obtained illegally from being used against a defendant.

First Amendment / Assembly

The right to peacefully gather and protest, including through meetings, rallies, strikes, and sit-ins.

Freedom of Association

The right to form and join groups that pursue common interests, including the right to form trade unions.

Freedom of Speech

The right to freely express ideas and opinions, with some exceptions for obscenity, slander, and incitement to violence.

Clear-and-present-danger test

A legal test to determine when speech can be limited by the government due to potential harm.

Imminent Lawless Action

A legal standard that protects hate speech unless it incites immediate violence.

Symbolic Speech

Actions that express ideas, such as burning the US flag.

Prior Restraint

Government prohibition of speech before it occurs.

Libel

False written information that damages a person's reputation.

Slander

False spoken statements that harm a person's reputation.

Establishment Clause

The clause in the First Amendment that prohibits the government from favoring one religion over another.

Free-Exercise Clause

The clause in the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion.

Right to Bear Arms

The Second Amendment protects the individual's right to possess firearms.

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

A case that established the right to privacy, allowing married couples to use contraceptives without government regulation.

Bowers v. Hardwick (1986)

A ruling that held there was no constitutional protection for same-sex couples.

Lawrence v. Texas (2003)

The case that overturned Bowers v. Hardwick, affirming the right to privacy for same-sex couples.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

A landmark decision that recognized a woman's right to abortion under the 14th Amendment.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting.

Equal Pay Act of 1963

A law requiring equal pay for equal work, addressing wage disparities based on sex.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.

USA Patriot Act

Legislation enacted after September 11, 2001, which expanded government surveillance capabilities.

Civil Rights Act of 1968

Also known as the Fair Housing Act, it prohibits discrimination in housing based on race and other factors.

Family and Medical Leave Act

Law providing eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons.

African American Civil Rights Movement

A struggle for social justice and equality for African Americans, including key legislation like the Civil Rights Act and pivotal events such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches.