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How a bill becomes a law

Congress writes and votes on bills, and the President approves or vetoes them.

Budgetary Process

The government plans and approves spending as decided by the President and Congress.

Appointment Process

The process by which the President picks someone for a position, and the Senate must approve them.

Ratification Process

The process for how treaties with other countries are approved, requiring a 2/3 Senate vote.

Electoral Process

The method by which citizens vote for the President, and the Electoral College makes the final decision.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Court case establishing the principle of judicial review, stating the court decides what the law means.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Court case affirming federal laws are supreme over state laws.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Court case ruling that not everything is related to interstate commerce, limiting federal power.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Court case saying you cannot make students pray in public schools, protecting freedom of religion.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Court case protecting religious freedom, ruling Amish children do not have to attend school past 8th grade.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Court case upholding students' rights to free speech in school.

New York Times v. U.S. (1971)

Court case protecting press freedom, ruling the government cannot stop publication before release.

Schenck v. U.S. (1919)

Court case stating that free speech can be limited if it poses a clear and present danger.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Court case establishing the right to an attorney for everyone, regardless of financial status.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Court case affirming women’s right to choose an abortion, highlighting the right to privacy.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Court case ruling that the Second Amendment applies to states, affirming the right to own a gun.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Court case declaring that separate educational facilities are not equal, ending school segregation.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Court case holding that spending money on political ads is a form of free speech.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Court case focusing on fair representation, stating courts can look at redistricting fairness.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Court case ruling against racial gerrymandering, stating race cannot be the only factor for district lines.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Document declaring independence from Britain, emphasizing rights to life, liberty, and happiness.

Articles of Confederation (1781)

The first governing document, creating a weak government that struggled to function.

U.S. Constitution (1787)

Document creating a strong government with separation of powers and checks and balances.

Federalist No. 10

Essay arguing that a large republic can control factions and prevent one group from dominating.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist essay warning that a strong central government threatens individual freedoms.

Federalist No. 51

Essay advocating for checks and balances in government to prevent abuse of power.

Federalist No. 70

Essay arguing for a single strong president to effectively govern.

Federalist No. 78

Essay arguing for the independence of judges to protect rights and maintain checks on government.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

MLK Jr.'s letter arguing for civil disobedience against unjust laws.