AP Government and Politics Unit 3A Study Guide

Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.

A Supreme Court case that ruled schools have limited authority to regulate off-campus speech.

First Amendment

Protects the rights to freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental freedoms and protections from government interference, guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

Civil Rights

Protections against discrimination based on race, gender, or disability, often involving government action to ensure equality.

Establishment Clause

Prevents the government from favoring, endorsing, or establishing an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely, as long as it does not violate public order.

Schenck v. U.S.

Established the 'clear and present danger' test for speech that poses an imminent threat to public safety.

Symbolic Speech

Non-verbal actions or symbols used to express ideas, such as flag burning.

Prior Restraint

Government actions that prevent speech or publication before it occurs.

Exclusionary Rule

Prevents evidence obtained through illegal searches or seizures from being used in court.

Miranda Rights

Rights read to an arrested individual, ensuring they are aware of their right to remain silent and have an attorney.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which certain protections from the Bill of Rights are applied to states on a case-by-case basis.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Incorporated the right to counsel in state criminal trials, requiring states to provide an attorney to defendants who cannot afford one.

Texas v. Johnson

Ruled that flag burning is a form of symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Affirmed that students do not lose their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at school.

Brandenburg v. Ohio

Protected speech unless it incites imminent lawless action, thereby narrowing the scope for restrictions.

District of Columbia v. Heller

Ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess firearms for lawful purposes.

McDonald v. Chicago

Applied the Second Amendment to the states, affirming the right to bear arms for self-defense.