AP GOV. Foundational Documents and Court Cases
Declaration of Independence (July 4th, 1776)
A list of crimes that King Gorge has committed against the American colonies. Also, used ideas from enlightenment philosophers. *Importance* This set a base for the American government that it didn't want to be Monachary, but suggesting a Democracy.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
Citizens United wanted to make a movie declaring Hillary Clinton unfit to be president, violating the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. It was concluded that the BCR violates the First Amendment.
New York Times v United States
Can the Nixon Administration prevent "classified information" from being published? No -- violates the first amendment. The media can publish anything unless national security is directly threatened (specific threat).
Wisconsin v. Yoder
Does Wisconsin's requirement that all parents send their kids to school violate the first amendment? Yes -- freedom of religion.
Engel v. Vitale
Does established prayer-reading in school violate the "establishment of religion" clause of the first amendment? Yes -- the state cannot hold prayers in public schools.
Brown v. Board of Education
Does the segregation of public education based solely on race violate the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment? Yes.
Federalist No. 51 (February 6, 1788)
James Madison predicted that no single branch of government would become too powerful and oppress citizens, because of the separation of powers and checks and balances so the majority doesn't abuse its power. *Importance* Helps us understand the benefits of checks and balances and separation of powers to help support a federal government.
Shaw v. Reno (1993)
Janet Reno challenged the state North Carolina for the new congressional district map for having 2 "majority- minority" districts claiming that it's racial gerrymandering which violates the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment. North Carolina won. *Importance* Claims of racial gerrymandering were held to strict scrutiny in future cases.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
Martin Luther King Jr.'s response to being arrested for political demonstrations and being denied a lawyer. Stated that people have a right to nonviolent political demonstrations.
Roe v. Wade (1973)
Roe, a Texas resident, sought to terminate her pregnancy by abortion, but Texas law prohibited abortions except to save the pregnant woman's life which violated the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. *Importance* The decision gave a woman total autonomy over the pregnancy during the first trimester.
Shneck v. United States
Shneck was convicted of violating the espionage act for distributing leaflets encouraging folks to disobey the draft. Shneck argued that his conviction violated the first amendment. The court says it does not.
Baker v. Carr (1962)
Tennessee voters who alleged that their state legislatures failed to account for significant population variations between districts and claimed it violated the Equal Protection Clause of 14th amendment. *Importance* The Court asserted that the federal courts had the right to tell states to reapportion their districts for more equal representation.
Bill of Rights (1789)
The first ten amendments to the Constitution; a written list of guarantees for citizens and states that Federalists promised to add to the Constitution in order to gain ratification and to assuage ant-Federalist fears. *Importance* They are an integral part of the structure of American democracy that citizens have undeniable rights.
Federalist No. 10 (Tuesday, November 22, 1787)
This is a response to Brutus document (anti-federalist government). He says that a large republic means there will more groups of people that are passionate about different things making it more difficult to compromise and govern makes it harder to consider everyone's ideas. *Importance* Madison made this to persuade others why Federalism is best for the American government.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
the Supreme Court upheld the power of the national government and denied the right of a state to tax the federal bank using the Constitution's supremacy clause. *Importance* Enhanced federal power and set precedent for future cases that federal law has authority over state law under the necessary and proper clause.
Tinker v Des Moines Independent Community School District
Does prohibiting students from wearing armbands, as a sign of symbolic protest, violate the first amendment? Yes.
McDonald v Chicago
Does the Second Amendment apply to states? Yes -- the Fourteenth Amendment makes the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defense applicable to the states.
Gideon v. Wainwright
Does the right to council in criminal cases (6th amendment) extend to felony defendants in state courts? Yes.
The Constitution of the United States
Including a preamble and seven articles, it created a stronger federal government. It lists all powers and functions of every branch of government. *Importance* Keeps the American government organized.
Federalist #78
It is important to have a separate judicial branch. It will interpret the law and protect individuals from factions. Judges get life terms because it takes time to master the law.
Marbury v Madison
James Madison didn't want to deliver documents to validate appointees of John Adams. The court found his refusal illegal, but also that the law that required Marbury (who brought Maddy to court) to bring his claim to court was unconstitutional. Established the principle of judicial review (power to declare laws unconstitutional)
United States v. Lopez (1995)
Alfonzo Lopez carried a concealed weapon into his high school and was charged for violating a federal criminal statute, the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. This is unconstitutional b/c it exceeds the power of Congress to legislate under the Commerce Clause. *Importance* The national government's power under the commerce clause does not permit it to regulate matters not directly related to interstate commerce.
Brutus No. 1
An Anti-Federalist essay which argued for a confederation of small republics because it would better protect individual liberty. The proposed U.S. Constitution created a dangerously powerful central government. *Importance* argued against a strong central government based on the belief that it would not be able to meet the needs of all US citizens.
Articles of Confederation (1781)
First American constitution that established the United States as a loose confederation of states under a weak national Congress. *Importance* Set a precedent for the more effective replacement the Constitution (1789) that Congress/legislative branch needed to be stronger in American government.
Federalist #70
We need a strong executive leader, unlike the one under the articles. Having one person is safer than many because they will be under close scrutiny of the people.
