Foundational Documents & Required Cases

Brutus no.1

A document in American political discourse, written as an anti-Federalist essay that argues against the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, warning against tyranny.

Federalist no.10

A paper, written by James Madison, discusses how a large republic can mitigate the dangers of factions and their negative effects on democracy

The Declaration of Independence

A historic document that proclaimed the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule, emphasizing individual rights and the principles of liberty and self-governance.

The Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, establishing a weak central government and allowing states to retain most powers.

The Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, outlining the framework of government and the rights of citizens.

Federalist no.51

An essay by James Madison that addresses the system of checks and balances in government to prevent tyranny.

Letters from a Birmingham Jail

Letters written by MLK Jr.: The main themes include civil disobedience, justice, and the moral obligation to fight against injustice.

Federalist no.70

An essay by Alexander Hamilton that argues for a strong, energetic, SINGLE executive leader in the government.

Federalist no.78

An essay by Alexander Hamilton that discusses the power of judicial review and the importance of independence of the judiciary.

McCulloch v. Maryland

In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that federal law takes precedence over state law (article 6) and that states cannot tax the federal government. Context = a legal dispute regarding the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States and Maryland's attempt to impose tax on the bank

United States v. Lopez

This 1995 Supreme Court decision was a pivotal moment in constitutional law, as it marked the first time in 50+ years that the Court had ruled that Congress had exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause. Context = A legal challenge about whether Congress had the authority to regulate gun possession in school zones under the Commerce Clause

Marbury v. Madison

The significance lies in the establishment of judicial review, which empowered the Supreme Court to strike down laws and executive actions that it found unconstitutional. Context = when William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his commission as a justice of the peace.

Baker v. Carr

The significance of the case lies in its promotion of the principle of "one person, one vote," and the confirmation that congressional reapportionment is judiciable. Context = the Supreme Court ruled that federal courts could intervene in state redistricting cases after Tennessee lines had not been redrawn after several societal changes.

Shaw v. Reno

Established that redistricting based solely on race can violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, limiting racial gerrymandering. Context = the Secretary of State forced North Carolina to redraw their congressional districts to account for Black population

McDonald v. Chicago

The Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment is applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause. Context: challenged a Chicago handgun ban.

Engel v. Vitale

Ruled it unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools, establishing a precedent for the separation of church and state in the education system (Establishment Clause).

Wisconsin v. Yoder

The Supreme Court ruled that the government did not have a compelling interest in compulsory education, outweighed by the Amish's First Amendment rights. Context = whether the government had to require Amish kids to attend school past age 14

Schenk v. United States

The Supreme Court ruled that speech creating a 'clear and present danger' is not protected under the First Amendment. Context = Charles Schenk protested the drafting process during a time of war

Tinker v. Des Moines

A Supreme Court case that ruled students retain their freedom of speech in public schools, so as their expressions are not disruptive. Context = students wearing armbands to protest Cold War at school

New York Times v. United States

A Supreme Court case that upheld the right of the press to publicize classified information unless it threatens compelling government interest. Context = the Pentagon Papers case where secret activities in Vietnam were exposed by a newspaper

Gideon v. Wainwright

A Supreme Court case that held that the right to counsel (6th Amendment) is applicable to state courts through the Fourteenth Amendment. Context=when an individual was charged with a felony and denied a lawyer, led to government believing that if they spend a lot of money on counsel, it must be necessary.

Brown v. Board of Education

A Supreme Court case that desegregated public schools under the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. Context = public school facilities separated for white and non-white students were found to be drastically unequal and created longstanding harm.

Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission (FEC)

A Supreme Court Case that decided political spending is a form of speech protected under the First Amendment. Context = a nonprofit film corporation, claiming free speech, tried to air a documentary about Hilary Clinton. A government agency claimed it violated FECA, but made errors in their argument that led the Court to believe the government had too much power restricting political speech