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Federalist No. 10

Factions are inevitable; a large republic can control factions better than a small democracy.

Pluralism

A political system in which multiple groups coexist to prevent any one from dominating.

Federalist No. 51

Argues for a stronger federal government by explaining the need for a division of powers among three branches.

Checks and Balances

The system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Federalist No. 70

Advocates for a single executive to ensure quick decision-making and accountability.

Federalist No. 78

States the judicial branch is the weakest and requires lifetime terms for judges to insulate from mob opinion.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to all humans, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Social Contract

The theory that people create governments to protect their natural rights; if the government abuses this power, people have the right to abolish it.

Articles of Confederation

America's first constitution that created a weak federal government and granted too much power to the states.

Brutus No. 1

Argues that the proposed Constitution is unworkable for the large and diverse nation, warning against too much federal power.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Dr. King's letter arguing that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

U.S. Constitution, Preamble

The introduction that outlines the purpose of the Constitution, emphasizing unity, justice, tranquility, defense, welfare, and liberty.

U.S. Constitution, Article I

Establishes the Legislative Branch with powers to make laws, collect taxes, and regulate commerce.

U.S. Constitution, Article II

Establishes the Executive Branch to enforce laws, defining the president's powers and responsibilities.

U.S. Constitution, Article III

Establishes the Judicial Branch, focusing on the interpretation of laws and outlining federal court authority.

U.S. Constitution, Article IV

Covers state relations, including the Full Faith and Credit Clause and protections for states.

U.S. Constitution, Article V

Details the amendment process for the Constitution.

U.S. Constitution, Article VI

Establishes the Supremacy Clause, asserting that federal law prevails over state laws.

U.S. Constitution, Article VII

Outlines the ratification process for the Constitution.

1st Amendment

Guarantees the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant.

5th Amendment

Provides rights in legal proceedings, including due process and protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

6th Amendment

Guarantees rights in criminal prosecutions, such as the right to a speedy trial and legal counsel.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail.

9th Amendment

Clarifies that listing specific rights in the Constitution does not mean other rights do not exist.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery in the United States.

14th Amendment

Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Prohibits the denial of voting rights based on race.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

24th Amendment

Prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Marbury v. Madison

Established the principle of judicial review, affirming the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Strengthened the federal government's power, ruling that states cannot tax federal institutions.

Schenck v. U.S.

Established that free speech can be limited in cases of clear and present danger.

Brown v. Board of Education

Declared that racial segregation in public schools violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Baker v. Carr

Established principle of one person, one vote; required fair district representation.

Engel v. Vitale

Ruled that school-sponsored prayer violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Guaranteed the right to an attorney in legal proceedings for those who cannot afford one.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Affirmed students' rights to free speech in schools as long as it does not disrupt education.

Citizens United v. FEC

Held that restrictions on independent political expenditures by corporations and unions are unconstitutional.

McDonald v. Chicago

Incorporated the Second Amendment to apply to state laws, affirming the right to bear arms.