Important Amendments and Supreme Court Cases

Flashcards covering key amendments, Supreme Court cases, immigration policies, and major themes in American history from 1763 to 1945.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to gain support for ratifying the Constitution.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery and indentured servitude in 1865.

14th Amendment

Granted citizenship to all born in the U.S. and ensured equal protection under the law in 1868.

15th Amendment

Granted suffrage to adult males in 1870.

16th Amendment

Established a graduated income tax in 1913.

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Ruled that the Bank of the U.S. was constitutional and that federal law is supreme over state law.

Dred Scott v. Sanford

Ruled that enslaved individuals were property and all African Americans were not citizens (overturned by the 14th Amendment).

Plessy v. Ferguson

Established the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education

Overturned the 'separate but equal' doctrine, making segregation in schools illegal.

Know-Nothing Party

A political party in the 1850s that aimed to limit the influence of immigrants and particularly Catholics.

Chinese Exclusion Act

An 1882 law that banned Chinese immigration to the U.S.

Homestead Act

Encouraged westward expansion by providing 160 acres of land to settlers who lived there for 5 years.

Schenck v. U.S.

Determined that free speech could be limited if it posed a 'clear and present danger.'

Miranda v. Arizona

Ruled that suspects must have their rights read to them at the time of arrest.

Seward's Folly

Criticism of the U.S. purchase of Alaska in 1867, which was later seen as beneficial.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in 1920.

Emergency Quota Act

A 1921 policy that severely limited the number of immigrants allowed into the U.S.

Indian Removal Act

Sought to remove Native Americans from their lands east of the Mississippi River.

Dawes Act

A 1877 act aimed at assimilating Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land.

Market Revolution

A period of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the early 19th century.

Progressive Era

Period from 1890 to 1920 marked by increased government involvement in business and social reforms.