FCLE Prep – (FORD – Spring 2025)

A set of flashcards covering key concepts and important Supreme Court cases related to democracy, foundational documents, and principles of governance.

What was the form of democracy practiced by the Ancient Greeks?

Direct democracy.

Who were allowed to participate in the political arena of Ancient Greece's democracy?

All male citizens, known as the dēmos.

What did the Roman Republic establish regarding governance?

Citizens elected representatives to rule on their behalf.

What are the three branches of government in the early Roman Republic?

The Consuls, The Senate, and The Assembly.

What did the Great Law of Peace emphasize in Iroquois governance?

Similar concepts found in modern democracies like the US.

What did the Magna Carta primarily aim to protect?

The rights and property of the barons against a tyrannical king.

What was the purpose of the Mayflower Compact?

To establish a self-governed body while acknowledging the King of England.

What rights are included in the English Bill of Rights?

Rights later included in the First Amendment, like freedom of speech.

What are the two main arguments presented in Thomas Paine's Common Sense?

Independence from England and the creation of a democratic republic.

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

What does the Declaration of Independence announce?

The separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain.

What was the first constitution of the United States?

The Articles of Confederation.

What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 limit?

The growth of slavery in western territories.

What was a major goal in developing the U.S. Constitution?

To create a government strong enough to act nationally, but with limited power.

What essential principle was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

Judicial review.

What did McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) affirm regarding Congress?

Congress can broadly interpret its powers using the necessary and proper clause.

What was decided in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)?

The Constitution did not extend citizenship to black Americans.

What was the ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)?

Racial segregation laws are constitutional if facilities are equal in quality.

How did Schenck v. U.S. (1919) affect free speech?

Free speech can be restricted if it presents a 'clear and present danger.'

What constitutional issue was raised in Korematsu v. United States (1944)?

The constitutionality of Japanese Internment camps during WWII.

What did Brown v. Board (1954) achieve?

It overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and desegregated schools.

What did Mapp v. Ohio (1961) incorporate into law?

The Fourth Amendment and established the Exclusionary Rule.

What was the decision made in Baker v. Carr (1962)?

Redistricting cases qualify as justiciable under the equal protection clause.

What did Engel v. Vitale (1962) rule regarding school prayer?

School endorsed prayer violates the 1st Amendment Establishment Clause.

What requirement was established by Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?

States must provide attorneys to defendants who cannot afford one.

What significant point was made in Miranda v. Arizona (1966)?

Detained suspects must be informed of their rights before questioning.

What rights were considered in Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)?

Students' First Amendment rights aren't checked at school gates.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling in New York Times v. United States (1971)?

It defended the First Amendment right of free press against prior restraint.

What did Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) decide regarding education?

Amish children can't be forced to attend school past 8th grade.

What limitation did United States v. Nixon (1974) establish?

The President cannot use executive privilege to shield evidence in criminal cases.

What was determined in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978)?

Using race exclusively in admissions decisions violates the Equal Protection Clause.

What did Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) address?

Schools can restrict student newspapers not established as public forums.

What right did Texas v. Johnson (1989) uphold?

Protected symbolic speech, including the act of burning the American flag.

What issue was resolved in Bush v. Gore (2000)?

A recount dispute in Florida's 2000 presidential election.

What was the ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)?

Found strict regulation of gun ownership in D.C. unconstitutional.

What does the term 'Social Contract' refer to in democracy?

An agreement that establishes moral and political rules of behavior.

Who wrote that individuals are born with 'inalienable' rights?

John Locke.

What principle does Montesquieu’s theory advocate for government?

Separation of powers to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful.

What does Due Process guarantee in law?

Fair procedures in law and the justice system.

What is the Rule of Law?

A principle where all persons and institutions are accountable to laws.

What does Equality under the Law ensure?

Equal treatment and protection under the law.

What is the concept of Popular Sovereignty?

The idea that government is created by and subject to the will of the people.

What are Natural Rights?

Rights acquired inherently by individuals, not granted by the state.

What is Federalism?

The constitutional division of power between state and federal governments.

What does Individual Liberty refer to?

Fundamental rights and freedoms individuals possess.

What form of government does the Constitution guarantee?

A republican form of government, which is representative.

What do Civil Rights concern?

The basic right to be free from unequal treatment based on protected characteristics.

What do Civil Liberties include?

Basic rights and freedoms that are explicitly identified in the Constitution.