comp #4

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review, allowing courts to strike down unconstitutional laws.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to examine and invalidate laws or actions that are unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established that Congress has implied powers and states cannot tax the federal government.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

Ruled that African Americans are not citizens and slaves are considered property.

Plessy v. Ferguson

Upheld the 'separate but equal' doctrine, legalizing segregation.

Schenck v. U.S.

Limited free speech during wartime if it poses a 'clear and present danger.'

Korematsu v. United States

Upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII as a wartime necessity.

Brown v. Board of Education

Overturned Plessy, declaring segregation in schools unconstitutional.

Mapp v. Ohio

Established the exclusionary rule: illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court.

Baker v. Carr

Established 'one person, one vote' regarding equal representation.

Engel v. Vitale

Declared school-led prayer in public schools unconstitutional.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Ruled states must provide attorneys for defendants who cannot afford one.

Miranda v. Arizona

Required Miranda rights to be read to suspects before police questioning.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Affirmed students' rights to free speech in school if not disruptive.

New York Times v. United States

Prohibited government from imposing prior restraint unless national security is at risk.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Protected religious freedom, allowing Amish parents to refuse mandatory education.

Roe v. Wade

Legalized abortion nationwide based on the right to privacy.

United States v. Nixon

Established that the president is not above the law.

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke

Allowed race as a factor in admissions, but declared quotas unconstitutional.

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier

Allowed schools to limit student press if tied to educational mission.

Texas v. Johnson

Protected flag burning as symbolic speech under the 1st Amendment.

Shaw v. Reno

Ruled that racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.

U.S. v. Lopez

Limited Congress's power over gun control laws in school zones.

Bush v. Gore

Resolved the dispute over the Florida ballot recount in the 2000 election.

District of Columbia v. Heller

Recognized an individual right to own firearms.

McDonald v. Chicago

Applied the 2nd Amendment to states, challenging local handgun bans.

Citizens United v. FEC

Allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on political speech.

Compromise of 1850

Balanced free and slave states; included the Fugitive Slave Act.

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

Promoted popular sovereignty on slavery, leading to conflict.

Homestead Act (1862)

Provided free land to settlers, encouraging westward expansion.

Pendleton Act (1883)

Reformed civil service, ending patronage and the spoils system.

Civil Rights Acts

Expanded protections against discrimination, particularly in 1964.

USA PATRIOT Act (2001)

Increased government surveillance capabilities after 9/11.

New Deal Acts (1930s)

Expanded government role in economy and social programs.

Great Society Acts (1960s)

Included Medicare, Medicaid, and anti-poverty programs.

Affordable Care Act (2010)

Expanded healthcare coverage.

Clean Air Act (1970)

Legislation aimed at environmental protection.

Tonkin Gulf Resolution (1964)

Expanded presidential war powers during the Vietnam War.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Significantly expanded U.S. territory.

Adams-Onís Treaty (1821)

The U.S. acquired Florida.

Suspension of Habeas Corpus (Lincoln, Civil War)

Limited civil rights during the Civil War.

Japanese Internment (FDR, WWII)

Restricted civil liberties for Japanese Americans during WWII.

Executive Order 9981 (1948, Truman)

Desegregated the military.

Bully pulpit examples

Used by presidents to advocate for policies, such as FDR's New Deal.

Presidential War Powers

Refers to the ability of presidents to engage in military actions without congressional approval.