Click on each article to learn more
Article 3
Preamble
Article 1
Article 2
Bill of Rights
Article 4
Article 5
Article 6
Article 7
How to Amend the Constitution
Sources of Law
Types of Law
Natural Law
Military
The idea that certain rights and values are universal and come from human nature, morality, or reason — not from governments.
Examples: fairness, justice, right vs. wrong.
Law that applies to members of the armed forces, governing behavior and discipline in the military.
Includes the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Statutory Law
Juvenile
Laws that are written and passed by a legislature, such as Congress or a state legislature.
Examples: speed limits, tax laws, school laws.
Law that deals with legal issues involving minors (under 18), especially when juveniles are accused of crimes.
Case/Common Law
Civil
Law created by judges’ decisions in court cases, especially when interpreting statutes or the Constitution.
Also known as precedent.
Law that deals with disputes between individuals or groups, usually involving money or property, not jail time.
Examples: lawsuits, contracts, divorce.
Criminal
Constitutional Law
Law that deals with crimes against society, where the government prosecutes someone accused of breaking the law.
Punishments may include jail, fines, or probation.
Law based on the U.S. Constitution or state constitutions, including how the Constitution is interpreted and applied.
Examples: freedom of speech, due process, equal protection.
Processes of the Judicial Branch
Judicial review is when courts (like the Supreme Court) check if laws or government actions follow the Constitution, and if they don't, the courts can declare them unconstitutional and void, acting as a key "check and balance" on the other government branches
Judicial review is when courts (like the Supreme Court) check if laws or government actions follow the Constitution, and if they don't, the courts can declare them unconstitutional and void, acting as a key "check and balance" on the other government branches
Judicial review is when courts (like the Supreme Court) check if laws or government actions follow the Constitution, and if they don't, the courts can declare them unconstitutional and void, acting as a key "check and balance" on the other government branches
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Summary Judgement
Ex Post Facto Law
Judical Review
Title
Writ of Mandamus
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
a special order from a high court, usually the Supreme Court, telling a lower court to send up records of a case for review
a legal rule that requires a prisoner be presented in court and that the arrester prove that there is proper cause for detaining the prisoner
Judicial review is when courts (like the Supreme Court) check if laws or government actions follow the Constitution, and if they don't, the courts can declare them unconstitutional and void, acting as a key "check and balance" on the other government branches
apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Writ of Certiorari
Habeas Corpus
Title
Title
Title
Title
Appeal
Court Order
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
The Trial (Criminal) Courtroom
The Appellate Courtroom
Levels of Courts
Hint
Answer
United States Federal Court
Florida Courts
Levels of Courts
Vocabulary
Trial Courts v. Apellate Courts
Levels of Courts
Federal Courts
State Courts
Gideon v Wainwright
Landmark Court Cases
Marbury v Madison
US v Nixon
Plessy v Ferguson
in re Gault
Gideon v Wainwright
Miranda v Arizona
Brown v. Board of Education
Dredd Scott v Sanford
Tinker v Des Moines
Gideon v Wainwright
Landmark Court Cases
DC v Heller
Hazelwood v Kuhlmeirer
Bush v Gore
Appellant
Appellant
The party who appeals the case because they believe the trial court made a legal error.
Attorney for Appellant
Attorney for the Appellant
The lawyer who argues that the trial court made a mistake in applying the law.
PROPOSE
To propose an amendment means to officially suggest a change to the Constitution.
This step requires a 2/3 supermajority because the Constitution is meant to be hard to change.
Two ways to propose: 1) Congress (Most Common)
2/3 of the House votes yes
AND
2/3 of the Senate votes yes 2) States (Rare)
2/3 of state legislatures request it → Congress calls a national convention to propose amendments
Key Idea: Proposed = introduced, not official yet.
United States v Nixon
Essential Question: Is the president above the law? Constitutional Principle: Checks and balances. Decision: Nixon must release tapes. Impact: Reinforced rule of law.
Apellee
Appellee
The party who responds to the appeal and argues that the trial court’s decision should be upheld.
Attorney for the Appellee
The lawyer who argues that the trial court followed the law correctly and the decision should stand.
Miranda v Arizona
Who: Ernesto Miranda What: Required police to inform suspects of their rights Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1966 Why: To protect suspects from self-incrimination during police questioning
Defense Attorney
The lawyer who represents the defendant. The defense attorney’s job is to protect the defendant’s rights and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Defendant
The person accused of committing a crime. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Article I – Legislative Branch
Creates Congress (House + Senate).
Explains how laws are made and lists enumerated powers of Congress.
Court Reporter
Records everything that is said during the trial to create an official written transcript.
Ratify
To ratify an amendment means the states approve it and it becomes part of the Constitution.
This step requires 3/4 of the states to agree so the change has strong national support.
Two ways to ratify: 1) State Legislatures (Most Common) 3/4 of state legislatures approve 2) State Conventions (Rare) 3/4 of state conventions approve
Key Idea: Ratified = official change to the Constitution.
DC v Heller
Essential Question: Does the 2nd Amendment protect an individual’s right to own a gun? Constitutional Principle: Right to Bear Arms
(2nd Amendment)
Decision
The Supreme Court ruled that individuals have the right to own firearms for lawful purposes, like self-defense. Impact: It struck down Washington, D.C.’s handgun ban and strengthened individual gun rights.
Simple Summary
D.C. v. Heller said the 2nd Amendment protects an individual right to own a gun.
THE JURY
A group of citizens who listen to the evidence and decide the verdict (guilty or not guilty) based on the facts presented in court.
JURY BOX
The seating area where the jurors sit during the trial so they can see and hear everything clearly.
Article V – Amending the Constitution
Explains how the Constitution can be changed (proposed and ratified).
Trial (Criminal) Court v. Apellete Court (Appeals) v. The Supreme Court
Federal Courts (3 Levels)District Courts – Trial courts where cases start.Courts of Appeals – Review decisions from the trial courts. U.S. Supreme Court – Highest court; final say on federal and constitutional issues. Florida Courts (4 Levels) County Courts – Small cases like traffic tickets and small claims. Circuit Courts – Serious crimes, major lawsuits, and family law cases. District Courts of Appeal (DCA) – Review decisions from the circuit courts. Florida Supreme Court – Highest court in the state; final say on Florida law.
Trial Court (criminal court):Where cases start. Judges and juries hear evidence, witnesses testify, and a verdict (guilty or not guilty) is decided.Focus: Finding the facts. Appellate Court (Appeals Court) Reviews the trial. No new evidence. Judges check if the trial court made a legal mistake. They can uphold, reverse, or order a new trial. Focus: Checking for errors. Supreme Court Highest court. Chooses which cases to hear. Sets big-picture rules (precedent) for the whole state or country. Focus: Final decisions on major legal questions.
Marbury v. Madison
Who: William Marbury; Chief Justice John Marshall Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1803 Why: To decide whether the Supreme Court could declare an act of Congress unconstitutional
Article III – Judicial Branch
Creates the Supreme Court and federal courts.
Explains judicial powers and what cases they can hear.
Plessy v Ferguson
Who: Homer Plessy What: Established the “separate but equal” doctrine Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1896 Why: To decide whether racial segregation violated the 14th Amendment
Gallery
The seating area for the public, media, and observers watching the trial.
Witness Stand
The place where witnesses sit when answering questions under oath during the trial.
Witness
A person who gives testimony in court about what they saw, heard, or know related to the case.
Tinker v Des Moines
Essential Question: Do students have free speech rights at school? Constitutional Principle: 1st Amendment.
Decision: Students retain free speech unless disruptive. Impact: Expanded student rights.
Prosecutor
The lawyer who represents the government. The prosecutor tries to prove that the defendant committed the crime.
Key Vocabulary
Trial Court
The court where a case starts, facts are examined, and a judge or jury makes a decision.
Appellate Court
A court that reviews trial court decisions to determine whether a legal error occurred. Original Jurisdiction
The authority to hear a case for the first time, usually held by trial courts. Appellate Jurisdiction
The authority to review decisions from lower courts, usually held by appellate courts. Appeal
A request for a higher court to review a lower court’s decision. Precedent
A rule or principle established by an appellate court decision that guides future cases.
Bailiff
Maintains order in the courtroom, announces the judge, and is responsible for courtroom security.
Dredd Scott v Sanford
Who: Dred Scott What: Ruled that enslaved people were property and not citizens Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1857 Why: To determine whether Scott was free after living in free territories
Ex Post Facto Law
A law that punishes an action after it was already committed, even though the action was legal at the time it occurred.
The U.S. Constitution prohibits ex post facto laws.
Misssouri Compromise
Brown v Board of Education
Who: Linda Brown; NAACPWhat: Ended school segregation Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1954 Why: To determine whether segregated schools were unconstitutional
In re Gault
Who: Gerald Gault What: Gave juveniles due process rights Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1967 Why: To ensure fairness and constitutional protections in juvenile court
Article VI – Supremacy Clause
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
All officials must support it.
Panel of Judges
Panel of Judges (Justices)
A group of judges who review the trial court’s decision. They do not decide guilt or innocence; they decide if the law was applied correctly.
Gideon v Wainwright
Who: Clarence GideonWhat: Guaranteed the right to an attorney in criminal cases Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1963 Why: To decide if states must provide lawyers to defendants who can’t afford one
Judge
The judge runs the trial, makes sure the rules of law are followed, and decides what evidence can be used. The judge also gives instructions to the jury.
1. Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition 2. Right to bear arms 3. No forcing people to house soldiers 4. No unreasonable searches; warrant needed 5. Due process, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination 6. Fair trial: lawyer, jury, speedy/public trial 7. Jury trial in civil cases 8. No cruel or unusual punishment 9. People have other rights 10. Powers not given to federal gov’t = states/people
Article VII – Ratification
Explains how the Constitution was approved by the states.
Hazelwood v Kuhlmeirer
Essential Question
Should school officials be allowed to control what is published in a school-sponsored student newspaper? Constitutional Principle
Freedom of Speech / Freedom of the Press
(1st Amendment)
Decision
The Supreme Court ruled that school officials can limit or censor student speech in school-sponsored activities, like a school newspaper, if they have a valid educational reason. Impact
This case limited student free speech in school-sponsored settings.
It means schools have more control over things like:
school newspapers
yearbooks
school broadcasts
other school-sponsored student publications
Students still have rights, but those rights are not unlimited in school-sponsored activities.
Federal Court System (Highest→ Lowest)
1. U.S. Supreme Court The highest federal court, with final authority on constitutional and federal law issues. 2. U.S. Court of Appeals The appellate court that reviews decisions from federal district courts for legal errors. 3. Federal District Court The trial court of the federal system where cases begin and original jurisdiction is exercised.
Gallery
The seating area for the public, media, and observers watching the trial.
State Court System (Highest→ Lowest)
1. State Supreme Court The highest court in a state, with final authority over state law. 2. State Court of Appeal The court that reviews trial court decisions to determine whether a legal error occurred. 3. State Trial Court The court where most state cases begin and original jurisdiction is exercised.
Bush v Gore
Essential Question Should the Florida vote recount continue in the 2000 election? Constitutional Principle Equal Protection (14th Amendment) Decision The Supreme Court ruled that the recount should stop because different counties were using different standards. Impact The decision effectively gave George W. Bush the win in Florida and the presidency.
Article II – Executive Branch
Creates the presidency.
Explains presidential powers, duties, elections, and impeachment.
Article IV – Relationships Between States
States must respect each other’s laws.
Explains how states are created and the duties between states and the federal government.
Historical Reason
After slavery ended, many Southern states passed unfair laws that limited the rights of formerly enslaved people. The federal government created the 14th Amendment to guarantee citizenship and make sure states treated people equally under the law. It was meant to protect civil rights during Reconstruction.
Historical Reason
The 13th Amendment was passed right after the Civil War because the country needed to officially end slavery everywhere in the United States. Without a constitutional amendment, states could have tried to keep slavery going or bring it back. This made slavery illegal nationwide.
Historical Example
States could not create laws that treated formerly enslaved people unfairly or denied them basic legal rights.
Constitutional Change
The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.
Historical Example
States could not legally stop Black men from voting just because of their race.
Constitutional Change
The 24th Amendment banned poll taxes in federal elections.
Historical Example
Women could finally vote in elections after years of being denied that right.
Historical Example
States could not charge people money in order to vote in federal elections.
Constitutional Change
The 14th Amendment gave citizenship to anyone born in the United States and required equal protection under the law.
Constitional Change
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
Constitutional Change
The 15th Amendment said the right to vote cannot be denied because of race.
Historical Reason
Even after slavery ended, many Black citizens were still being blocked from voting. The 15th Amendment was passed to protect voting rights and stop states from denying the vote based on race. It was an attempt to make elections more fair during Reconstruction.
Historical Reason
Women were not allowed to vote for most of U.S. history. After decades of protests and the women’s suffrage movement, the 19th Amendment was passed to give women equal voting rights. It expanded democracy by allowing more citizens to participate.
Constitional Change
The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.
Historical Example
18-year-olds gained the right to vote in elections across the country.
Historical Reason
Poll taxes were used to keep poor citizens—especially Black citizens—from voting. During the Civil Rights Movement, the government passed the 24th Amendment to ban poll taxes in federal elections. This removed an unfair barrier to voting.
Historical Reason
During the Vietnam War, 18-year-olds could be drafted to fight but often couldn’t vote. People argued that if you’re old enough to fight for your country, you should be old enough to vote. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18 nationwide.
Historical Example
After the Civil War, enslaved people could no longer be legally forced to work as property.
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Transcript
Click on each article to learn more
Article 3
Preamble
Article 1
Article 2
Bill of Rights
Article 4
Article 5
Article 6
Article 7
How to Amend the Constitution
Sources of Law
Types of Law
Natural Law
Military
The idea that certain rights and values are universal and come from human nature, morality, or reason — not from governments. Examples: fairness, justice, right vs. wrong.
Law that applies to members of the armed forces, governing behavior and discipline in the military. Includes the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Statutory Law
Juvenile
Laws that are written and passed by a legislature, such as Congress or a state legislature. Examples: speed limits, tax laws, school laws.
Law that deals with legal issues involving minors (under 18), especially when juveniles are accused of crimes.
Case/Common Law
Civil
Law created by judges’ decisions in court cases, especially when interpreting statutes or the Constitution. Also known as precedent.
Law that deals with disputes between individuals or groups, usually involving money or property, not jail time. Examples: lawsuits, contracts, divorce.
Criminal
Constitutional Law
Law that deals with crimes against society, where the government prosecutes someone accused of breaking the law. Punishments may include jail, fines, or probation.
Law based on the U.S. Constitution or state constitutions, including how the Constitution is interpreted and applied. Examples: freedom of speech, due process, equal protection.
Processes of the Judicial Branch
Judicial review is when courts (like the Supreme Court) check if laws or government actions follow the Constitution, and if they don't, the courts can declare them unconstitutional and void, acting as a key "check and balance" on the other government branches
Judicial review is when courts (like the Supreme Court) check if laws or government actions follow the Constitution, and if they don't, the courts can declare them unconstitutional and void, acting as a key "check and balance" on the other government branches
Judicial review is when courts (like the Supreme Court) check if laws or government actions follow the Constitution, and if they don't, the courts can declare them unconstitutional and void, acting as a key "check and balance" on the other government branches
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Summary Judgement
Ex Post Facto Law
Judical Review
Title
Writ of Mandamus
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
a special order from a high court, usually the Supreme Court, telling a lower court to send up records of a case for review
a legal rule that requires a prisoner be presented in court and that the arrester prove that there is proper cause for detaining the prisoner
Judicial review is when courts (like the Supreme Court) check if laws or government actions follow the Constitution, and if they don't, the courts can declare them unconstitutional and void, acting as a key "check and balance" on the other government branches
apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Writ of Certiorari
Habeas Corpus
Title
Title
Title
Title
Appeal
Court Order
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
The Trial (Criminal) Courtroom
The Appellate Courtroom
Levels of Courts
Hint
Answer
United States Federal Court
Florida Courts
Levels of Courts
Vocabulary
Trial Courts v. Apellate Courts
Levels of Courts
Federal Courts
State Courts
Gideon v Wainwright
Landmark Court Cases
Marbury v Madison
US v Nixon
Plessy v Ferguson
in re Gault
Gideon v Wainwright
Miranda v Arizona
Brown v. Board of Education
Dredd Scott v Sanford
Tinker v Des Moines
Gideon v Wainwright
Landmark Court Cases
DC v Heller
Hazelwood v Kuhlmeirer
Bush v Gore
Appellant
Appellant The party who appeals the case because they believe the trial court made a legal error.
Attorney for Appellant
Attorney for the Appellant The lawyer who argues that the trial court made a mistake in applying the law.
PROPOSE
To propose an amendment means to officially suggest a change to the Constitution. This step requires a 2/3 supermajority because the Constitution is meant to be hard to change.
Two ways to propose: 1) Congress (Most Common) 2/3 of the House votes yes AND 2/3 of the Senate votes yes 2) States (Rare) 2/3 of state legislatures request it → Congress calls a national convention to propose amendments
Key Idea: Proposed = introduced, not official yet.
United States v Nixon
Essential Question: Is the president above the law? Constitutional Principle: Checks and balances. Decision: Nixon must release tapes. Impact: Reinforced rule of law.
Apellee
Appellee The party who responds to the appeal and argues that the trial court’s decision should be upheld.
Attorney for the Appellee
The lawyer who argues that the trial court followed the law correctly and the decision should stand.
Miranda v Arizona
Who: Ernesto Miranda What: Required police to inform suspects of their rights Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1966 Why: To protect suspects from self-incrimination during police questioning
Defense Attorney
The lawyer who represents the defendant. The defense attorney’s job is to protect the defendant’s rights and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Defendant
The person accused of committing a crime. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Article I – Legislative Branch
Creates Congress (House + Senate). Explains how laws are made and lists enumerated powers of Congress.
Court Reporter
Records everything that is said during the trial to create an official written transcript.
Ratify
To ratify an amendment means the states approve it and it becomes part of the Constitution. This step requires 3/4 of the states to agree so the change has strong national support.
Two ways to ratify: 1) State Legislatures (Most Common) 3/4 of state legislatures approve 2) State Conventions (Rare) 3/4 of state conventions approve
Key Idea: Ratified = official change to the Constitution.
DC v Heller
Essential Question: Does the 2nd Amendment protect an individual’s right to own a gun? Constitutional Principle: Right to Bear Arms (2nd Amendment) Decision The Supreme Court ruled that individuals have the right to own firearms for lawful purposes, like self-defense. Impact: It struck down Washington, D.C.’s handgun ban and strengthened individual gun rights. Simple Summary D.C. v. Heller said the 2nd Amendment protects an individual right to own a gun.
THE JURY
A group of citizens who listen to the evidence and decide the verdict (guilty or not guilty) based on the facts presented in court.
JURY BOX
The seating area where the jurors sit during the trial so they can see and hear everything clearly.
Article V – Amending the Constitution
Explains how the Constitution can be changed (proposed and ratified).
Trial (Criminal) Court v. Apellete Court (Appeals) v. The Supreme Court
Federal Courts (3 Levels)District Courts – Trial courts where cases start.Courts of Appeals – Review decisions from the trial courts. U.S. Supreme Court – Highest court; final say on federal and constitutional issues. Florida Courts (4 Levels) County Courts – Small cases like traffic tickets and small claims. Circuit Courts – Serious crimes, major lawsuits, and family law cases. District Courts of Appeal (DCA) – Review decisions from the circuit courts. Florida Supreme Court – Highest court in the state; final say on Florida law.
Trial Court (criminal court):Where cases start. Judges and juries hear evidence, witnesses testify, and a verdict (guilty or not guilty) is decided.Focus: Finding the facts. Appellate Court (Appeals Court) Reviews the trial. No new evidence. Judges check if the trial court made a legal mistake. They can uphold, reverse, or order a new trial. Focus: Checking for errors. Supreme Court Highest court. Chooses which cases to hear. Sets big-picture rules (precedent) for the whole state or country. Focus: Final decisions on major legal questions.
Marbury v. Madison
Who: William Marbury; Chief Justice John Marshall Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1803 Why: To decide whether the Supreme Court could declare an act of Congress unconstitutional
Article III – Judicial Branch
Creates the Supreme Court and federal courts. Explains judicial powers and what cases they can hear.
Plessy v Ferguson
Who: Homer Plessy What: Established the “separate but equal” doctrine Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1896 Why: To decide whether racial segregation violated the 14th Amendment
Gallery
The seating area for the public, media, and observers watching the trial.
Witness Stand
The place where witnesses sit when answering questions under oath during the trial.
Witness
A person who gives testimony in court about what they saw, heard, or know related to the case.
Tinker v Des Moines
Essential Question: Do students have free speech rights at school? Constitutional Principle: 1st Amendment. Decision: Students retain free speech unless disruptive. Impact: Expanded student rights.
Prosecutor
The lawyer who represents the government. The prosecutor tries to prove that the defendant committed the crime.
Key Vocabulary
Trial Court The court where a case starts, facts are examined, and a judge or jury makes a decision. Appellate Court A court that reviews trial court decisions to determine whether a legal error occurred. Original Jurisdiction The authority to hear a case for the first time, usually held by trial courts. Appellate Jurisdiction The authority to review decisions from lower courts, usually held by appellate courts. Appeal A request for a higher court to review a lower court’s decision. Precedent A rule or principle established by an appellate court decision that guides future cases.
Bailiff
Maintains order in the courtroom, announces the judge, and is responsible for courtroom security.
Dredd Scott v Sanford
Who: Dred Scott What: Ruled that enslaved people were property and not citizens Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1857 Why: To determine whether Scott was free after living in free territories
Ex Post Facto Law
A law that punishes an action after it was already committed, even though the action was legal at the time it occurred. The U.S. Constitution prohibits ex post facto laws.
Misssouri Compromise
Brown v Board of Education
Who: Linda Brown; NAACPWhat: Ended school segregation Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1954 Why: To determine whether segregated schools were unconstitutional
In re Gault
Who: Gerald Gault What: Gave juveniles due process rights Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1967 Why: To ensure fairness and constitutional protections in juvenile court
Article VI – Supremacy Clause
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All officials must support it.
Panel of Judges
Panel of Judges (Justices) A group of judges who review the trial court’s decision. They do not decide guilt or innocence; they decide if the law was applied correctly.
Gideon v Wainwright
Who: Clarence GideonWhat: Guaranteed the right to an attorney in criminal cases Where: United States Supreme Court When: 1963 Why: To decide if states must provide lawyers to defendants who can’t afford one
Judge
The judge runs the trial, makes sure the rules of law are followed, and decides what evidence can be used. The judge also gives instructions to the jury.
1. Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition 2. Right to bear arms 3. No forcing people to house soldiers 4. No unreasonable searches; warrant needed 5. Due process, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination 6. Fair trial: lawyer, jury, speedy/public trial 7. Jury trial in civil cases 8. No cruel or unusual punishment 9. People have other rights 10. Powers not given to federal gov’t = states/people
Article VII – Ratification
Explains how the Constitution was approved by the states.
Hazelwood v Kuhlmeirer
Essential Question Should school officials be allowed to control what is published in a school-sponsored student newspaper? Constitutional Principle Freedom of Speech / Freedom of the Press (1st Amendment) Decision The Supreme Court ruled that school officials can limit or censor student speech in school-sponsored activities, like a school newspaper, if they have a valid educational reason. Impact This case limited student free speech in school-sponsored settings. It means schools have more control over things like: school newspapers yearbooks school broadcasts other school-sponsored student publications Students still have rights, but those rights are not unlimited in school-sponsored activities.
Federal Court System (Highest→ Lowest)
1. U.S. Supreme Court The highest federal court, with final authority on constitutional and federal law issues. 2. U.S. Court of Appeals The appellate court that reviews decisions from federal district courts for legal errors. 3. Federal District Court The trial court of the federal system where cases begin and original jurisdiction is exercised.
Gallery
The seating area for the public, media, and observers watching the trial.
State Court System (Highest→ Lowest)
1. State Supreme Court The highest court in a state, with final authority over state law. 2. State Court of Appeal The court that reviews trial court decisions to determine whether a legal error occurred. 3. State Trial Court The court where most state cases begin and original jurisdiction is exercised.
Bush v Gore
Essential Question Should the Florida vote recount continue in the 2000 election? Constitutional Principle Equal Protection (14th Amendment) Decision The Supreme Court ruled that the recount should stop because different counties were using different standards. Impact The decision effectively gave George W. Bush the win in Florida and the presidency.
Article II – Executive Branch
Creates the presidency. Explains presidential powers, duties, elections, and impeachment.
Article IV – Relationships Between States
States must respect each other’s laws. Explains how states are created and the duties between states and the federal government.
Historical Reason
After slavery ended, many Southern states passed unfair laws that limited the rights of formerly enslaved people. The federal government created the 14th Amendment to guarantee citizenship and make sure states treated people equally under the law. It was meant to protect civil rights during Reconstruction.
Historical Reason
The 13th Amendment was passed right after the Civil War because the country needed to officially end slavery everywhere in the United States. Without a constitutional amendment, states could have tried to keep slavery going or bring it back. This made slavery illegal nationwide.
Historical Example
States could not create laws that treated formerly enslaved people unfairly or denied them basic legal rights.
Constitutional Change
The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.
Historical Example
States could not legally stop Black men from voting just because of their race.
Constitutional Change
The 24th Amendment banned poll taxes in federal elections.
Historical Example
Women could finally vote in elections after years of being denied that right.
Historical Example
States could not charge people money in order to vote in federal elections.
Constitutional Change
The 14th Amendment gave citizenship to anyone born in the United States and required equal protection under the law.
Constitional Change
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
Constitutional Change
The 15th Amendment said the right to vote cannot be denied because of race.
Historical Reason
Even after slavery ended, many Black citizens were still being blocked from voting. The 15th Amendment was passed to protect voting rights and stop states from denying the vote based on race. It was an attempt to make elections more fair during Reconstruction.
Historical Reason
Women were not allowed to vote for most of U.S. history. After decades of protests and the women’s suffrage movement, the 19th Amendment was passed to give women equal voting rights. It expanded democracy by allowing more citizens to participate.
Constitional Change
The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.
Historical Example
18-year-olds gained the right to vote in elections across the country.
Historical Reason
Poll taxes were used to keep poor citizens—especially Black citizens—from voting. During the Civil Rights Movement, the government passed the 24th Amendment to ban poll taxes in federal elections. This removed an unfair barrier to voting.
Historical Reason
During the Vietnam War, 18-year-olds could be drafted to fight but often couldn’t vote. People argued that if you’re old enough to fight for your country, you should be old enough to vote. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18 nationwide.
Historical Example
After the Civil War, enslaved people could no longer be legally forced to work as property.