AP Gov Topics 3.1 and 3.2

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, aimed at limiting government power and protecting individual rights.

Civil Liberties

Protections against government abuse, ensuring individual freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly.

Federalist #84

An essay by Alexander Hamilton arguing against the necessity of a Bill of Rights.

Penumbra Doctrine

A principle that suggests certain rights are implied by the Constitution, even if not explicitly stated.

Equal Protection Clause

A clause in the 14th Amendment that ensures protection against discrimination for minority groups.

Establishment Clause

Part of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Part of the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely.

Wall of Separation

The principle that government and religious institutions should remain separate.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

A Supreme Court case that ruled against school-sponsored prayer, reinforcing the Establishment Clause.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

A Supreme Court case affirming the rights of Amish parents to withdraw their children from school for religious reasons.

Lemon Test

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

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

A Supreme Court case that upheld students' rights to free speech in schools.

The Bill of Rights' Purpose

To protect individual rights and limit government power, ensuring personal freedoms.

Civil Rights

Government actions to ensure equality and prevent discrimination.

First Amendment

The amendment that guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Separation of Church and State

The concept that the government should not endorse or support any religion.

Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRAs)

Laws that aim to protect individuals' religious freedoms by providing religious exemptions from certain laws.

Symbolic Speech

Non-verbal forms of expression that are protected by the First Amendment.

Public Safety Interests

Concerns that can sometimes justify limitations on civil liberties.

Alexander Hamilton's View

He argued that the Constitution itself was sufficient to protect individual rights without needing a Bill of Rights.