Ap review

Article VI

Often referred to as the Supremacy Clause, it establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land.

Article I

Establishes the legislative branch of the federal government, comprising the United States Congress, outlining its powers and responsibilities.

Preamble

Introductory statement that sets forth the purposes and goals of the Constitution.

Article V

Outlines the process for amending the Constitution, providing methods for proposing and ratifying amendments.

Article III

Establishes the judicial branch of the federal government, including the Supreme Court.

Article VII

Outlines the process for ratifying the Constitution, requiring ratification by nine states.

Article II

Lays the foundation for the executive branch of the government, including the President and Vice President.

6th Amendment

Ensures the rights of the accused in criminal prosecutions, guaranteeing a fair and speedy trial.

15th Amendment

Extends voting rights regardless of race, color, or previous servitude.

25th Amendment

Outlines procedures for presidential succession, disability, and vacancy.

1st Amendment

Protects fundamental freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

23rd Amendment

Grants residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote in presidential elections.

10th Amendment

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

26th Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18, enfranchising millions of young Americans.

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, ensuring due process of law.

22nd Amendment

Imposes term limits on the presidency, limiting individuals to two terms.

2nd Amendment

Guarantees individuals the right to possess firearms.

8th Amendment

Focuses on preventing cruel and unusual punishment, setting standards for bail and fines.

14th Amendment

Addresses citizenship rights, due process, and equal protection under the law.

17th Amendment

Established the direct election of senators by the people.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, establishing the right to privacy.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

Federalist 70

Written by Alexander Hamilton, argues for a strong executive branch.

Brutus 1

An anti-federalist essay opposing the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalist 78

Defends the necessity of an independent judiciary and judicial review.

Letter From a Birmingham Jail

Defends nonviolent resistance against racism and injustice.

Declaration of Independence

Declares the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule.

Federalist 51

Emphasizes separation of powers and checks and balances.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak central government.

Federalist 10

Discusses the dangers of factionalism and argues for a large republic.

Citizens United v FEC

Expanded the rights of corporations and unions to spend money on political campaigns.

Shaw v Reno

Addressed racial gerrymandering, ruling that race cannot be the predominant factor.

U.S. v. Lopez

Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Established the right to counsel for criminal defendants.

New York Times v United States

Upholds freedom of the press against government prior restraint.

Schenck v. United States

Established the 'clear and present danger' test for free speech.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Recognized the rights of parents to homeschool for religious reasons.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Affirmed the supremacy of the federal government over state governments.

Brown v. Board of Education

Overturned racial segregation in public schools as unconstitutional.

Tinker v Des Moines

Upheld students' rights to free speech in public schools.

McDonald v. Chicago

Incorporated the Second Amendment's right to bear arms to the states.

Engel v. Vitale

Declared school-sponsored prayer in public schools unconstitutional.

Baker v. Carr

Established 'one person, one vote,' requiring roughly equal population in districts.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states.

Due Process Clause

Guarantees fair legal procedures before deprivation of life, liberty, or property.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits establishing an official religion or favoring one religion.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize legal acts and records of other states.

Equal Protection Clause

Requires individuals to be treated equally under the law.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Gives Congress authority to make laws necessary for executing its powers.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects individuals' rights to practice their religion.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Aimed to eliminate barriers preventing African Americans from voting.

War Powers Act

Requires presidential consultation with Congress before military action.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, or sex.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act

Regulates campaign financing and restricts soft money contributions.

USA Patriot Act

Expands law enforcement authority for surveillance and investigation.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Motor Voter Act

Increases voter registration by allowing registration with driver's license.

Title IX

Prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated but inferred from the Constitution.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by federal and state governments.

Enumerated powers

Specific powers explicitly listed in the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.

Exclusive powers

Powers that are granted solely to the federal government.

Rational-choice model

Voters evaluate candidates based on beliefs and preferences.

Party-line model

Voters cast ballots exclusively for candidates from the same party.

Retrospective model

Voters assess an incumbent's performance before re-election.

Prospective model

Voters base decisions on candidates' promises and future performance.

Delegate role

Acts as a direct representative, voting according to constituents' wishes.

Politico role

Balances personal judgment with constituents' interests and political considerations.

Trustee role

Acts according to personal conscience and judgment, regardless of constituents.

Gatekeeper role

Media determines what information reaches the public.

Scorekeeper role

Media provides assessments of political performances.

Watchdog role

Holds government officials accountable.