AP Government/Politics:US Midterm Review

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation

A document that established a weak central government with states having more power than the federal government

Brutus No. 1

An anti-federalist paper arguing that a smaller government is favorable and that the Constitution undermines state authority and popular sovereignty.

The Constitution of The United States

A foundational document outlining the structure of government, including three branches, the Bill of Rights, and seven articles.

Article I

Establishes the legislative branch of the government.

Article II

Establishes the executive branch of the government.

Article III

Establishes the judicial branch of the government.

Article IV

Addresses relations among states.

Article V

Outlines the process for amending the Constitution.

Article VI

Establishes the principle of national supremacy.

Article VII

Details the process for ratification of the Constitution.

The Declaration of Independence

A document declaring independence from Britain, emphasizing natural rights and the government's role in securing them.

Federalist No. 10

An essay arguing that factions are inevitable and essential, with a warning that majority groups can oppress minorities.

Federalist No. 51

An essay discussing the importance of checks and balances within government.

Federalist No. 70

An essay focused on the necessity of a strong executive.

Federalist No. 78

An essay outlining the role and independence of the judiciary.

Marbury V. Madison (1803)

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare legislative and executive acts unconstitutional.

McCulloch V. Maryland (1818)

Established federal supremacy over state laws and clarified the scope of the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Schenk V. United States (1919)

Established that free speech can be restricted during wartime if it creates a 'clear and present danger'.

Baker V. Carr (1962)

Confirmed that federal courts have jurisdiction to oversee redistricting and ensure compliance with the Equal Protection Clause.

Engel V. Vitale (1962)

Held that school-sponsored religious activities violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Tinker V. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

Determined that students have the right to free speech in schools, but that it can be limited under certain circumstances.

New York Times Co. V. United States (1971)

Established that prior restraint of the press is unconstitutional under the First Amendment, except in rare cases.

Wisconsin V. Yoder (1972)

Held that the state could not compel Amish children to attend school beyond 8th grade, infringing on religious beliefs.

Shaw V. Reno (1993)

Ruled that racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional, emphasizing the need to avoid racial considerations in districting.

United States V. Lopez (1995)

Determined that Congress exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause regarding possession of a gun in a school zone.

McDonald V. Chicago (2010)

Ruled that the Second Amendment applies to states, protecting individual rights to gun ownership through selective incorporation.