Foundational Documents and Supreme Court Cases

A collection of flashcards covering foundational documents, significant Supreme Court cases, constitutional clauses, and principles to aid in exam preparation.

Declaration of Independence

Explains why the colonies broke away from Britain, emphasizing natural rights and popular sovereignty.

Articles of Confederation

America's first government, created a weak national government with no power to tax or regulate trade.

U.S. Constitution

Established a stronger federal government with separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.

Federalist No. 10

Argues that a large republic controls factions better than a small one through pluralism.

Brutus No. 1

Warns that a strong national government threatens state power and individual liberties.

Federalist No. 70

Argues for a strong executive (the president) to ensure effective leadership.

Federalist No. 78

Explains the role of the judiciary and supports judicial review.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional, established by Marbury v. Madison.

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review; conflict over judicial appointments.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Confirmed federal supremacy and implied powers through the Necessary & Proper Clause.

Schenck v. United States

Established the 'clear and present danger' test, limiting free speech during wartime.

Baker v. Carr

Made redistricting a justiciable issue, leading to 'one person, one vote'.

Shaw v. Reno

Determined that race cannot be the primary factor in drawing district lines.

United States v. Lopez

Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause regarding the Gun-Free School Zones Act.

Bill of Attainder

A law that punishes a person without a trial, deemed unconstitutional.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that criminalizes actions after they were committed, also unconstitutional.

Due Process Clause

Mandates that the government must follow fair procedures before depriving life, liberty, or property.

Equal Protection Clause

Requires that the government treat people equally under the law.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress power to regulate interstate and international trade.

Necessary & Proper Clause

Allows Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers.

Supremacy Clause

States that federal law is supreme over state law.

Reserved Powers

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects the right to practice religion freely.

Establishment Clause

Prevents the government from establishing an official religion.

Privileges & Immunities Clause

Forbids states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Full Faith & Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize laws, contracts, and court decisions of other states.

Extradition

Mandates that states must return fugitives to the state where the crime was committed.