Memorize

Establishment Clause

A provision in the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

A provision in the First Amendment that protects citizens' rights to practice their religion freely.

Freedom of Petition

The right of individuals to make their grievances known to the government and seek remedies.

Clear and Present Danger Doctrine

A legal standard used to determine whether speech is protected under the First Amendment based on its potential to incite actions that could harm others.

Fighting Words

Verbal communication that incites immediate violence or breach of peace and is not protected by the First Amendment.

Freedom of the Press

The right of journalists to report news and express opinions without government interference.

Freedom of Assembly

The right to hold public meetings and form associations without interference.

Lemon Test

A three-part test established by the Supreme Court to determine if a law violates the Establishment Clause.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A legal order requiring that a person detained by the state be brought before a court to determine the legality of their detention.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that makes an act illegal retroactively, which is prohibited by the Constitution.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Non-Protected Speech

Types of speech not afforded protection under the First Amendment, including obscenity, defamation, and fighting words.

Prior Restraint

A form of censorship that allows the government to prohibit speech or publication before it occurs.

Libel

Written false statements that damage a person's reputation, which can lead to legal action.

Obscenity

Material that is deemed offensive or lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value, and is not protected by the First Amendment.

Eminent Domain

The government's power to take private property for public use, with compensation for the owner.

Poll Tax

A fee that was historically required to vote, primarily used to disenfranchise poorer and minority voters.

Commerce Clause

A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States.

Segregation

The separation of people based on race, ethnicity, or other characteristics, often enforced by law.

Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II

Prohibits discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.

Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Executive Privilege

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or the courts, often to protect national security or sensitive communications.

Interstate Commerce Clause

A constitutional provision that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce between states, influencing economic and business practices.

Due Process

A legal principle ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

1968 Fair Housing Act

Prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.

EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)

A federal agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination and promotes equal employment opportunities.

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

Legislation that made it illegal to knowingly hire undocumented immigrants and provided a pathway to legal status for certain undocumented workers.

Eminent Domain

The government's power to take private property for public use, with compensation for the owner.

Equality of Opportunity

The principle that every individual should have an equal chance to pursue life goals and access resources and opportunities.

Equality of Results

The concept that individuals should have equal outcomes, often achieved through redistribution of resources or affirmative actions.

Affirmative Action

Policies that aim to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups through education and employment.

Rights of a Person Accused of a Crime

Legal protections afforded to individuals accused of crimes, including the right to a fair trial and legal counsel.

Civil Rights Movement

A social movement in the United States aimed at ending racial discrimination and promoting equal rights for African Americans.

Equal Protection Clause

A provision in the Fourteenth Amendment that requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all people.

Privacy Rights

The rights of individuals to keep their personal information private and free from government intrusion.

Regulatory Taking

A situation where government regulation limits the use of private property, which may require compensation under the Fifth Amendment.

Miranda Rights

Legal rights of an arrested individual to be informed of their rights to silence and legal representation, stemming from the Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona.

Separate but Equal

A legal doctrine that justified racial segregation as long as the separate facilities were considered equal, later deemed unconstitutional.

Bill of Attainder

A legislative act that singles out an individual or group for punishment without a trial, prohibited by the Constitution.

Dual Citizenship

The status of being a citizen of two countries simultaneously, allowing individuals to enjoy the rights and obligations of both.

Exclusionary Rule

A legal principle that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in a criminal trial.

Restrictive Covenants

Clauses in property deeds that limit the use or occupancy of real estate, often used to enforce racial segregation.

Double Jeopardy

A legal principle that prohibits an individual from being tried twice for the same crime.

Majority-Minority Districts

Electoral districts in which the majority of the constituents belong to a minority group, designed to enhance minority representation.

Due Process Clause

A constitutional provision that protects individuals from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property.

Affirmative Action

Policies aimed at increasing opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in education and employment.

Jury Nullification

The right of a jury to refuse to convict a defendant if they believe the law is unjust or improperly applied.

Equal Protection Clause

A provision in the Fourteenth Amendment that mandates equal legal protection for all individuals.

Voter ID Laws

Legislation requiring voters to provide specific forms of identification at the polls to prevent fraud.

Habeas Corpus

The legal right to challenge unlawful detention and seek relief from incarceration.

Ballot Initiatives

Proposals that are placed directly on the ballot for voters to decide, often used to enact legislation or amend constitutions.