AP government

Brutus 1

Argues against the ratification of the constitution, fearing it would give the federal government absolute and uncontrolled power.

The U.S Constitution (1787)

Created to replace the Articles of Confederation and establish a stronger federal government with defined limits and powers.

Articles of Confederation (1781)

Unified the 13 colonies but lacked a judicial or executive branch, no power to tax, and no national army.

Federalist 10 (James Madison)

Argues that a large republic prevents factions from dominating, promoting a pluralist democracy.

Federalist 51 (James Madison)

Explains that the government structure includes checks and balances to protect against factions.

Federalist 70 (Alexander Hamilton)

Advocates for a strong, singular president rather than a group to ensure efficient executive power.

Letter from Birmingham Jail (Martin Luther King Jr., 1963)

Defends nonviolent direct action and emphasizes the moral responsibility to break unjust laws.

Federalist 78 (Alexander Hamilton)

Argues that the Judicial Branch is the least dangerous because it lacks enforcement power, requiring life tenure.

The Declaration of Independence (1776)

Document declaring the 13 colonies' break from Great Britain, highlighting popular sovereignty and natural rights.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established Judicial Review, allowing the Court to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Confirmed Congress's implied powers and supremacy of federal law over state law regarding taxation.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause by ruling that carrying a gun in school zones is not an economic activity.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Ruled that public schools cannot lead students in prayer as it violates the Establishment Clause.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Prioritized Amish families' religious rights over the state's interest in compulsory education.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Protected symbolic speech in schools, allowing students to wear armbands as long as it doesn't disrupt education.

New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

Bolstered freedom of the press, preventing prior restraint unless national security is in immediate danger.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Allowed speech limitations if it creates a clear and present danger, especially during wartime.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Mandated states provide counsel to defendants who cannot afford an attorney under the 6th Amendment.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Protected a woman's right to an abortion based on an implied right to privacy.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Applied the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms to state governments through the 14th Amendment.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Overturned 'separate but equal' doctrine, ruling that racially segregated schools are inherently unequal.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Ruled that political spending by corporations and unions is a form of protected speech under the 1st Amendment.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Established 'one person, one vote' principle, allowing courts to enforce fair district redraws.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Ruled that redistricting can consider race but cannot be the primary factor in drawing districts.