Foundational Documents, Powers Chart, and Required Cases Flashcards

Practice questions and answers covering foundational American documents, government powers, required Supreme Court cases, and Constitutional amendments.

According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the primary purpose of government?

The purpose of government is to protect natural rights, which consist of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, based on a social contract.

What solution does Federalist 10 propose to counter the negative effects of factions?

Establish a LARGE republic (‘Extend the sphere’) with numerous factions so that competition prevents any single faction from gaining a majority and infringing on the rights of others.

Under Brutus I, which clauses are identified as potentially making the national government too powerful?

The Necessary and Proper Clause, the Supremacy Clause, and the Tax and Spend Clause.

What is the famous quote from Federalist 51 regarding the motivation for checks and balances?

‘Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.’

According to Federalist 70, why is a single executive (unity) preferable to a plurality?

A single executive can act with more ‘energy’ and quickness, maintains secrecy better, and makes it easier to hold the individual accountable for faults.

Why does Federalist 78 argue that judicial independence and life terms are necessary?

To ensure judges remain neutral and independent from the other branches and the public, allowing them to serve as a ‘bulwark’ protecting rights against encroachment.

In ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail,’ why does King argue that direct action is necessary?

It is the only way to dramatize the issue and create enough tension to force leaders who have previously refused to negotiate to the table.

Which chamber of Congress has the power to initiate impeachment hearings, and which chamber conducts the trial?

The House initiates impeachment hearings, and the Senate conducts the trial.

What is the ‘Power of the Purse’ as a legislative check on the executive branch?

Congress can increase or decrease budget appropriations for bureaucratic agencies or executive orders.

What informal executive power allows the President to circumvent the need for congressional approval to give directives to agencies?

Issuing executive orders.

Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review in $1803$?

MARBURY V. MADISON ($1803$).

What was the significance of the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland ($1819$)?

It established the concept of implied powers via the Necessary and Proper Clause and reaffirmed the supremacy of federal laws over state laws.

In which case did the court rule that race-based school segregation violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION ($1954$).

Which case extended the Sixth Amendment right to an attorney to felony defendants in state courts through selective incorporation?

GIDEON V. WAINWRIGHT ($1963$).

What was the ruling in United States v. Lopez ($1995$) regarding the Commerce Clause?

Congress exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause by making gun possession in a school zone a federal crime.

What constitutional process is outlined in Article V?

The amendment process, which requires $\frac{2}{3}$ of Congress to propose and $\frac{3}{4}$ of state legislatures to ratify.

Which amendment reserves all powers not delegated to the federal government to the states and the people?

The $10^{th}$ Amendment.

What are the two main clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment used as the basis for selective incorporation and anti-discrimination?

The Due Process Clause (selective incorporation) and the Equal Protection Clause (anti-discrimination).

Which amendment allows citizens $18$ and older the right to vote?

The $26^{th}$ Amendment ($1971$).

According to Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ($2010$), what form of spending is protected as free speech?

Political spending by corporations, associations, and labor unions is protected under the $1^{st}$ Amendment, allowing for the creation of Super-PACs.