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Declaration of Independence
Declared the separation of the 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. -
Constitution
Established a federal government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. -
9th Amendment
The government cannot take away rights of the American people that are not specifically listed in the U. S. Constitution -
7th Amendment
Protects the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases and prevents judges from overturning jury findings -
10th Amendment
Any powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people -
2nd Amendment
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. -
1st Amendment
It protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. -
8th Amendment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted -
3rd Amendment
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. -
4th Amendment
Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and sets requirements for issuing warrants -
5th Amendment
The right to a jury trial when you're charged with a crime, protection against double jeopardy, protection against self-incrimination, the right to a fair trial, and protection against the taking of property by the government without compensation -
6th Amendment
The rights to a fast and public trial by an impartial jury, to be aware of the criminal charges, to confront witnesses during the trial, to have witnesses appear in the trial, and the right to legal representation -
11th Amendment
The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State. -
Louisiana Purchase
Doubled the size of the United States, adding millions of square miles of land. -
Marbury v. Madison
The Supreme Court struck down an act of Congress for the first time, establishing the doctrine of judicial review and the Supreme Court's role as the Constitution's chief interpreter. -
12th Amendment
Separate ballots for President and Vice
President -
McCulloch v. Maryland
It established that the federal government has the right to set up a federal bank and that states do not have the power to tax the federal government. -
Gibbons v. Ogden
The case established the broad authority of Congress to regulate commerce and set a precedent for later cases. It also sustained the nationalist definition of federal power. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
The decision was a major factor leading to the Civil War. It increased sectional tensions between the North and South, and was overturned by the 13th and 14th amendments to the Constitution. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Declared the freedom of enslaved people in the Confederate states. -
13th Amendment
Slavery is abolished. -
14th Amendment
If you are born or naturalized in the U.S. then
you are a citizen of the U.S -
15th Amendment
You cannot prevent a person from voting
because of race, color, or creed. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
The Supreme Court upheld the "separate but equal" doctrine, establishing the constitutionality of racial segregation. -
16th Amendment
Gives Congress the power to levy income taxes without having to consider population when apportioning those taxes among the states. -
17th Amendment
Provided for the direct election of U.S. senators by the voters of the states. -
18th Amendment
Established Prohibition in the United States by prohibiting the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol for consumption. -
Schenck v. United States
The case established a new standard for evaluating when the government can limit free speech. It remains relevant today as an example of the justice system's role in evaluating the constitutionality of federal laws. -
19th Amendment
Granted women the right to vote. -
The Great Depression
A severe worldwide economic depression that began in 1929 and lasted for a decade. -
20th Amendment
Changed the start and end dates for the terms of the president, vice president, and members of Congress. -
21st Amendment
Repealed the 18th Amendment -
Minersville School District v. Gobitis
the Court held that public schools may require their students to salute the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance over any religious objections -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The surprise attack by Japan on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. -
West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette
The Supreme Court ruled that students cannot be forced to salute the American flag or say the Pledge of Allegiance. This decision protects the freedom of speech and expression. -
End of WWII
The war ended with the surrender of Germany and Japan. -
22nd Amendment
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The Supreme Court ruled that separating children in public schools by race was unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" principle of Plessy v. Ferguson. -
23rd Amendment
Gives citizens of the District of Columbia the right to vote in presidential elections. -
Gideon v. Wainwright
The ruling greatly increased the use of public defenders. Subsequent Supreme Court cases extended the right to counsel to apply during police interrogation. In 2002, the Supreme Court extended the rule to apply in all cases where jail time is a possible punishment. -
24th Amendment
Prohibits both Congress and the states from requiring the payment of a poll tax or any other tax to vote in federal elections. -
Civil Rights Movement
Outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. -
Voting Rights Act
Prohibited racial discrimination in voting. -
Miranda v. Arizona
The Supreme Court ruled that police must inform suspects of their rights to remain silent and have an attorney present during questioning. This case established the "Miranda rights," which are now read to suspects before questioning. -
25th Amendment
Established procedures for presidential succession and addressing presidential disability. -
The Moon Landing
A significant achievement in the space race, demonstrating the United States' technological prowess. -
26th Amendment
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age. -
Roe v. Wade
Supreme Court decision that established a woman's right to an abortion under the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause. The decision was based on the idea that a woman's right to privacy includes the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. -
27th Amendment
Prevents changes to the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until after the next election. -
Flowers v. Mississippi
The Supreme Court overturned the murder conviction and capital sentence of its fourth criminal defendant, Curtis Flowers, because it found that the State had impermissibly discriminated on the basis of race in jury selection in Flowers's sixth trial