Ap Gov

Post-Revolutionary America

Period following American Revolution, highlighting debates and compromises that led to the formation of the U.S. Constitution.

Federalist 10

Written by James Madison, it advocates for a large republic to manage faction dangers and protect minority rights.

Brutus I

Anti-Federalist essay warning against ratifying the Constitution, arguing for local governance to protect liberties.

Declaration of Independence

Document asserting inalienable rights of individuals and justifying revolution against oppressive governments.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document creating a weak central government, leading to the need for a stronger federal Constitution.

Constitution and Bill of Rights

Framework of federal government with checks and balances; the Bill of Rights protects individual liberties.

Federalist 51

James Madison argues for separation of powers to prevent government overreach and protect individual freedoms.

Federalist 70

Alexander Hamilton defends the need for a strong, single executive for efficient governance.

Federalist 78

Hamilton describes the judiciary as an independent branch essential for upholding the Constitution.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Martin Luther King Jr. advocates for civil disobedience against injust laws and emphasizes the Fourteenth Amendment.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review, allowing the judiciary to strike down unconstitutional laws.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Affirmed federal supremacy and implied powers under the Elastic Clause, allowing Congress to create a national bank.

Schenck v. US (1919)

Limited free speech during wartime, establishing the 'clear and present danger' test.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause.

Baker v. Carr (1961)

Enabled federal courts to intervene in redistricting, establishing the 'one person, one vote' principle.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Prohibited school-sponsored prayer, reinforcing the separation of church and state.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Guaranteed the right to legal counsel in state courts for defendants unable to afford an attorney.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Protected student free speech in schools, as long as it does not cause substantial disruption.

New York Times Co. v. US (1971)

Strengthened freedom of the press, ruling prior restraint unconstitutional unless there's imminent threat.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Protected religious freedom over compulsory school attendance laws in certain contexts.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Legalized abortion under the right to privacy as inferred from the Fourteenth Amendment.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Prohibited racial gerrymandering, requiring strict scrutiny for redistricting based on race.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Limited federal power under the Commerce Clause, ruling it does not cover non-economic activities.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Expanded corporate political spending rights, emphasizing political spending as protected speech.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Incorporated the Second Amendment to the states, ensuring the right to bear arms is protected at all government levels.