Ap Gov Scotus and Documents

Declaration of independence

A historic document that announced the American colonies' separation from British rule, outlining grievances against King George III and articulating the principles of individual rights and government by consent.

articles of confederation

The first constitution of the United States, established a confederation of sovereign states and a weak federal government, which led to various political and economic challenges.

US constitution

The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for the government, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights as outlined in the Bill of Rights.

Federalist 10

An essay written by James Madison, arguing that a large republic can better control factions and prevent any single group from dominating the government.

Federalist 51

An essay written by James Madison that discusses the importance of checks and balances and the separation of powers within the government to prevent tyranny.

Federalist 70

An essay written by Alexander Hamilton advocating for a strong executive leader and arguing that a single president is essential for effective leadership and decision-making.

Federalist 78

An essay written by Alexander Hamilton that discusses the power of judicial review and the role of the judiciary in interpreting laws and protecting individual rights.

Brutus 1

An anti-federalist essay written by Robert Yates that argues against the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, warning that a strong national government would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty.

Letter from birmingham jail

A letter written by Martin Luther King Jr. while imprisoned in Birmingham, Alabama, advocating for civil rights and nonviolent protest against racial injustice.

Marbury V Madison

established judicial review empowering the supreme court to strike down laws that violate the constitution.

McCulloch V Maryland

a landmark case that established the supremacy of federal law over state law and confirmed Congress's implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

United States V Lopez

a Supreme Court case that limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause by ruling that gun possession near schools is not an economic activity.

engel v vitale

a landmark case that ruled school-sponsored prayer in public schools unconstitutional, violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

wisconsin v yoder

a landmark decision that held that the state's requirement for children to attend school until age 16 violated the free exercise clause of the First Amendment, protecting the Amish community's right to educate their children in accordance with their religious beliefs.

tinker v des moines

a landmark case that established the constitutional rights of students in public schools, ruling that students do not lose their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech when they enter school grounds.

new york times v united states

a landmark case that upheld the freedom of the press, ruling that the government could not prevent the publication of the Pentagon Papers without violating the First Amendment.

schenck v united states

a landmark Supreme Court case that established the "clear and present danger" test, ruling that the government could restrict speech if it poses a significant threat to national security during wartime.

gideon v wainright

a landmark case that guaranteed the right to counsel for defendants in criminal cases, ruling that states are required to provide an attorney to defendants who cannot afford one.

roe v wade

a landmark Supreme Court case that recognized a woman's constitutional right to privacy, allowing for the right to choose to have an abortion within the first trimester of pregnancy.

McDonald V Chicago

a landmark Supreme Court case that incorporated the Second Amendment right to bear arms to the states, ruling that state and local governments must also respect this constitutional right.

Brown V Board

a landmark Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson.

Baker V Carr

a landmark Supreme Court case that addressed issues of legislative apportionment and established the principle of "one person, one vote," ensuring equal representation in electoral districts.

shaw v reno

a landmark Supreme Court case that addressed racial gerrymandering and held that redistricting plans cannot be drawn based on race alone, ensuring fair representation.

Citizens united V FEC

a landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that political spending by corporations and unions is protected under the First Amendment, allowing them to contribute unlimited amounts to political campaigns.