FCLE stack 9

Equal Protection Clause

Clause in the 14th Amendment that forbids any state to deny to any person equal protection of the laws. This clause is a major constitutional restraint on the power of governments to discriminate against persons because of race, national origin, or sex.

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

pamphlet that advocated for the colonies declaring independence from Britain; supported the need for a democratic government where the people had representation

consent of the governed

The idea that our government derives its power from the people because we elect representatives to the legislative branch of government

Anti-Federalist Papers

a series of essays written to counter and defeat the proposed US Constitution; argued against a strong central government and pushed for more protection of the people’s rights

Social Contract Theory

The belief that people are free and equal by natural right, but will give up some freedom to give power to government so that the government can protect their rights.

Supremacy Clause

Article VI of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution the supreme law of the land and states that states cannot pass laws that conflict with federal laws.

Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison)

supreme court decides if laws passed by Congress or President are constitutional

mayor

head of a city’s government elected by the people who are citizens of that city

Civil Rights Movement

movement in the United States beginning in the 1960s to establish civil rights

Selective Service Act

law requiring men to register for military service